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Beamer's World

Nearly one in four children in America grows up in homes impacted by alcohol or drug addiction. Not only do children exposed to addiction experience enormous stress in their daily lives, they are at far greater risk of some day developing substance use and mental health problems themselves.

Getting help with addiction starts with getting things out in the open, which is the bright idea behind Beamer, the loveable lightbulb character at the heart of Hazelden Betty Ford's programs and resources for children ages seven to 12 and their families.

Beamer's face lights up in different colors to show his feelings, making it easier for children to identify and let out their feelings too. Beamer's stories and activities also help kids learn about addiction and recovery in approachable, developmentally appropriate ways.

1. Beamer Meets Addiction

Beamer learns addition has control of his parents.

2. The Last Day

It's Beamer’s last day to get his field trip permission slip signed but his parent's addiction makes him miss out again. He's angry and sad but also thinks it might be his fault.

3. A New Day

Beamer doesn't like to talk about his family. He's embarrassed. But he learns about the Hazelden Betty Ford's Children’s Program and he learns he's not alone.

 

4. The Turning Point

Beamer learns addiction is not his fault. He learns there are safe people that he can call when he’s scared. And he learns that treatment can help his family.

5. Treatment and Recovery

Beamer visits his mom in treatment and learns that addiction is a disease and sometimes it takes time to beat addiction.

6. Moving On

Treatment and recovery is important for those with addiction but it's important for Beamer to recover too and to learn to just be a kid again and do the things kids do.
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