April 30, 2026
“Dad, can you meet me for lunch? There’s something I need to talk about.”
When presenter Bob Bernu heard these words from his son, he had no idea of the journey he was about to take.
Families facing addiction often find themselves caught in a vortex of confusion—searching for answers and trying to make sense of what’s happening. The struggle is all-consuming, leaving many families wondering, “Is there hope?”
In this session, Bob Bernu shared his own family story. He discussed insights he has gained from his own experience, and from his role as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Hope, Bob truly believes, is present. For those who are experiencing the Good Friday moment in their family story, Bob reminds us that Good Friday is not the end of our story.
Resources:
- Documentary: Pleasure Unwoven
- AA: The Big Book
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Al-Anon Family Groups: information and a "find a local meeting" feature for teens of alcoholic parents
- Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: information and a "find a local meeting" feature. Also, a good resource for anyone who suffered early childhood trauma that is not necessarily because of addiction in the family.
- Nar-anon: for families whose loved one is primarily addicted to drugs rather than alcohol
- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has online classes and support groups. They can also recommend family therapists who specialize in working with families in crisis.
- CRAFT: (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) teaches how to encourage treatment without enabling.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers science-based info on addiction and treatment.
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization provides resources for Families of people with substance use disorders.
Bob Bernu, M.A., LADC
Bob is a seasoned professional in the field of addiction recovery with nearly a decade of experience at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where he served in the organization’s renowned Family Program at its Center City and Plymouth locations. In this role, Bob provided education, guidance, and support to families navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery.
Bob has delivered numerous lectures on key topics, including the disease model of addiction, family systems and responses to addiction, communication and boundary-setting, and the spirituality of the 12 Steps. In addition to his teaching, he facilitated small group sessions and conducted individual family consultations, helping participants develop insight, resilience, and practical tools for healing.
He also led weekend retreats for returning Hazelden alumni, supporting men and women in recovery as they deepened their commitment to living meaningful, recovery-centered lives.
Prior to his work in addiction studies, Bob was a successful entrepreneur, founding and managing three technology companies, each of which he successfully sold over a five-year period. This unique combination of business leadership and clinical insight informs his grounded, real-world approach to recovery work.
Bob has been married to his wife, Kathy, for 44 years. Together, they have five children and three grandchildren. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with family at his cabin, playing pickleball, connecting with friends, and listening to music.
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