Debra Jay

Debra Jay’s latest books are "It Takes a Family, 2nd edition: Creating Lasting Sobriety, Togetherness, and Happiness," and "Love First 3rd edition: A Family’s Guide to Intervention," both published by Hazelden (2021). She is also author of "No More Letting Go: The Spirituality of Taking Action Against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction," published by Bantam (2006). She co-authored the book "Aging and Addiction," published by Hazelden (2002). She is co-founder of a private practice providing clinical intervention services nationally and is founder of Structured Family Recovery® services and training. She designed the highly acclaimed Love First Clinical Intervention Training Program first hosted annually by the Betty Ford Center and now at The Retreat in Minnesota. Debra previously worked as an addictions clinician for the Hazelden Foundation (Hanley-Hazelden) working in inpatient treatment. She was the first coordinator of the older adult program and served as facilitator of the family program.Ms. Jay has served as trustee on several boards including the Care Continuum Board for the St. John Board of Trustees, and the Dawn Farm Board of Trustees. She has designed an advocacy website designed to help families concerned about an addicted loved one receive in-depth information at no cost, GetHelpGiveHelp.info. She also founded The Best Minds Podcast, creating a space for families and the best minds in the addiction treatment field to come together (lovefirst.net).Ms. Jay regularly appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show for 3 seasons as an addictions expert. She has also been on The Dr. Oz Show, and has been writing a newspaper column since 1996 on issues related to addiction and the family.