The Ohana Coaching Program, developed through the Hawaii Opioid Initiative, is a peer to peer support program that uses trained coaches who have experienced loved ones with substance use issues and are available to provide support and resources to other families.

Addiction medicine and treatment have evolved a great deal in the past 10-15 years. Studies show that when families are taught constructive ways of interacting with a loved one, recovery happens sooner and with less trauma.

The Hawaii Opioid Initiative has developed a family coach system that we’re calling Ohana to Ohana.

People find that speaking with someone who has “been there” can help them to stay connected to their loved one and get the support and encouragement they need.  Family coaching takes place on the phone over the course of about five calls during approximately a six-week period.

Our volunteer parent coaches are trained by the CMC: Foundation for Change (CMC:FFC) using CMC:FFC’s Invitation to Change Approach, a unique mix of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These techniques are evidence-based approaches shown to set the stage for positive outcomes. Parent coaches are there to listen, offer ideas and reaffirm to parents that they aren’t alone in this struggle.  They are not offering services in the capacity of medical or mental health providers.