A New Chapter for Love First

Debra Jay, MA, President and CEO

We’re excited to announce an important new chapter for Love First—one that builds on our legacy of helping families find hope, healing, and recovery.

Debra Jay, co-founder of Love First, is assuming the role of President once again. Many of you already know Debra for her pioneering work with families facing addiction. Her vision, warmth, and decades of experience have shaped the foundation of our work—and now, with renewed energy and leadership, she will guide Love First into a new era.

Debra is perhaps best known for her regular appearances on national television, especially on The Oprah Winfrey Show over three seasons, where her compassionate, effective approach to addiction and recovery reached a worldwide audience. These moments brought the power of family into the public consciousness and inspired countless families to take action.

She is the author of “It Takes a Family: Creating lasting sobriety, togetherness and happiness,” 2nd ed. (Hazelden, 2021), which introduced Structured Family Recovery® (or SFR)—a groundbreaking approach that empowers families to actively support their loved one’s long-term recovery. SFR helps families shift from crisis to collaboration, creating a long-term support system that strengthens sobriety and heals relationships.

Debra is also co-author of “Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention,” with Jeff Jay, 3rd ed. (Hazelden, 2021). These two companion books form a complete roadmap from intervention through durable recovery and have become essential tools for families across the country.

Debra is also the author of “No More Letting Go: The Spirituality of Taking Action against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction,” (Bantam, 2006). In addition, she is co-author of “Aging and Addiction” (Hazelden, 2002), and a contributor to “Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul,” (2005). From 2003 to 2017, she served as a guest lecturer for Wayne State University’s graduate program in substance abuse studies.

Together, Debra and Jeff Jay’s groundbreaking work redefined the field of addiction intervention. Their Love First model brought families into the center of the recovery process and reshaped how professionals and loved ones approach helping someone suffering from addiction—making the process more accessible, compassionate, and effective. Prior to their publications, love and compassion took a back seat. Love First changed everything.

Under her direction, Love First remains rooted in the values that have always defined us: compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to families. She brings unmatched insight and clarity to her role, and her leadership will ensure that Love First continues to grow and innovate.

Our team of experienced professionals—including clinical interventionists and Structured Family Recovery® counselors—will continue guiding families through every step of the recovery journey. Whether it’s preparing for an intervention or supporting long-term recovery with our 12Care™ program, we are here to help families take effective action with confidence.

Jeff Jay, who co-founded Love First, will be stepping away from day-to-day operations and no longer facilitating interventions. He now serves as President and CEO of Borden Cottage, a highly regarded private addiction and mental health treatment center in Camden, Maine. While his daily role has changed, his legacy remains an enduring part of Love First.

We are deeply grateful for the trust so many families have placed in us over the years. That trust is the reason we do this work—and the reason we will keep doing it, with even greater focus and resolve.

With warm regards and optimism for the future,