Eggshells Frequently Asked Questions

By: Sara, Program Advisor & Writer

For many, the new year signifies a fresh start or a new beginning. A time to reflect on the past year and plan for the next 12 months. This may include seeking support for yourself or referring someone you know in the Veteran community impacted by a loved one’s substance use. Eggshells is here for you!

Want to learn more about Eggshells? Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions:

To be eligible for Eggshells, do participants have to be impacted by a Veteran’s substance use?

While it may be the Veteran who is using substances, Eggshells is open to anyone who is Veteran-connected and impacted by a loved one’s substance use, such as a spouse or partner, an ex-spouse or partner, a parent, a sibling, an adult child, or a former colleague or peer. 

Does the Veteran need to have an Operational Stress Injury (OSI) to participate in Eggshells? 

No. While the Veteran may have an OSI (such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and/or military sexual trauma), it is not a requirement to participate in Eggshells.  

Do participants need to go through VAC to take part in Eggshells?

No, participants do not need a referral from VAC or a client number. Participants can self-refer or be referred by a professional by completing the Contact Us form. Eggshells is not a VAC program, though it receives funding from VAC. Eggshells is 100% confidential.

Will anyone at VAC, in the military or in the community know who participates in Eggshells? 

No one outside of the Eggshells Program Team knows who is participating in Eggshells unless they themselves share this information with others. All Eggshells participants agree to keep the conversations in group counselling confidential and commit to protecting everyone’s privacy. ◙

What’s New at Eggshells

Regardless of where your loved one is in their journey with substance use, Eggshells is here for you! Contact us for more information or to join an upcoming group counselling session.

Upcoming Eggshells Programs

Upcoming Events: Meet the Eggshells Team!

If you’re attending the following event, look for Eggshells Team Members:

• January 22-23, 2026: Stop by the Eggshells virtual booth and hear from our Clinical Team at “Walking on eggshells: The role of Family in addiction” at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families Veteran Family Summit (virtual)