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The Eggshells program is a virtual, trauma-informed mental health program designed exclusively for Veteran Families in Canada impacted by Substance Use Disorder (addiction).
Families impacted by SUD describe family life as perpetually walking on eggshells. Witnessing active addiction is a traumatic process. When trauma becomes chronic, families forfeit their values, needs, emotional health, and guiding principles to maintain family-system balance. These prolonged periods of neglect strip people of their sense of self, significantly diminish self-worth, promote profound exhaustion and burnout, and contribute to stress-related disorders that leave people debilitated. Undertreated or untreated addiction can create unhealthy home and work environments (Menard and Berger, 2022).
With the notion of walking on eggshells in mind, the Eggshells Program was developed to support well-being through healing and education by addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual impacts of present and generational trauma experienced by Veterans and Veteran Families affected by SUD.
The Eggshells Program will enhance family well-being and strengthen the entire family system through trauma-informed care that considers military culture, trauma, lifestyle and the diverse personal, social, economic, and environmental factors influencing Veteran and Veteran Family health and well-being.
The Eggshell approach shifts the external focus from attempting to control others to an internal focus on self-healing. This results in a renewed sense of self, decreased physical and mental complaints, deeper intimacy and connection in relationships, life enjoyment, happiness, and well-being.
The Eggshells Program also has the potential to significantly enhance treatment engagement and outcomes for those impacted by SUD. Research shows that when wrapped in support and guidance, families have a greater capacity to motivate change than alone in professional intervention. This can save lives, as the change process can begin immediately and is no longer solely dependent on the choices made by those with SUD. Families no longer have to wait until their loved one "hits rock bottom" but are instead supported to begin implementing intentional changes in how they engage with the presenting behaviours of SUD.
Treating loved ones and creating a circle of support for Veterans and Veteran Families impacted by SUD encourages earlier treatment engagement, inspires greater participation in the treatment process, and contributes to long-term recovery outcomes, including healthy engagement with family and community. The Eggshells Program offers a comprehensive program totaling 24 hours (or 12 hours for compressed formats) plus 16 hours of Continuing Care, designed to support Veteran and Veteran Family members in Canada affected by a loved one with SUD.
