The Bristol Hospital Counseling Center will be offering a free weekly Opioid Education and Family Support Group starting on Monday, Sept. 10.
The support group meets at 6 pm, every Monday, at the Bristol Hospital Counseling Center, located at 420 North Main St. in Bristol. These sessions are open to the public, adults age 18 and older.
The support group will be led by staff member George Gogas, LCSW, who is a trained group facilitator and will provide information for family members and other loved ones of individuals who are misusing any type of opiates or have been diagnosed with opioid use disorder. The sessions also include an educational component, discussion, support and feedback from others also trying to help their loved ones navigate through the disease of addiction.
Rebecca Colasanto, LCSW, system director of behavioral health for Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group, said the sessions will address the needs of the community, and will offer a space to talk without judgment.
“Many communities have already offered similar forums to address those impacted by opiate addiction. The Bristol Community is not immune to addiction and we would like to allow a space for the family and friends to ask questions, express concerns, and improve awareness of opiate misuse and the local resources for recovery,” Colasanto said. “It is important to note there is no magic solution being presented. Coping with a friend, partner, or family member with an addiction is difficult; even more difficult for the person seeking recovery as it is a process that requires daily work.”
Colasanto added that although the number of overdoses has increased in the last few years, this is not a new problem. The biggest task is building a network of recovery and no longer making recovery solely about the one person, who uses, but including as many supports as possible and reducing the shame factor that often perpetuates use.
“No child thinks: when I grow up, I want to be addicted to a substance that completely controls my life,” Colasanto said. “Everyone has a different story on how it happened. But the themes are the same: emotional, and/or physical pain; substances offered temporary relief. It is important to dispel the myths and stigma which surround those who use substances and those who seek treatment for substance abuse.”
No registration is required for the free Opioid Education and Family Support Group. For additional information or if you have questions, please call the Bristol Hospital Counseling Center, (860) 583-5858.