'Oxford C.A.R.E.S.' Support Group Created Due To Opioid Crisis

OXFORD, CT — In response to the opioid crisis and sharp increase in cases of substance use disorder in Oxford and surrounding Connecticut towns, the Community Addiction & Recovery Education & Support Group, (C.A.R.E.S.) is launching “Oxford C.A.R.E.S.” its fifth Hope & Support Group beginning Wednesday, November 15 from 7-9 p.m. at the Oxford Senior Center, 10 Old Church Road, Oxford.

C.A.R.E.S. provides free, weekly drop-in support groups for parents, families, and concerned individuals whose loved ones are using or abusing mind-altering substances.

“The family members of those afflicted with substance use disorder are often forgotten when a crisis strikes. Often the guilt and shame that accompanies this disease prevents people from reaching out and seeking help”, says Donna DeLuca, C.A.R.E.S. co-founder and mother of two children once addicted. She and her son Matt, a young man in recovery from opioids, began C.A.R.E.S. in an effort to help others and to combat the stigma of addiction. Matt states, “If everyone knows somebody that is struggling with substance abuse, why is it so difficult for us to talk openly about it?” He began a social media campaign called Everyone Knows Someone on Facebook and Instagram to give a raw, unfiltered perspective of addiction from those who have lived experience.

C.A.R.E.S. has partnered with community advocates including: George Temple, First Selectman; Susan Schiavi, Opioid Awareness Steering Committee (OASC) Co-Chair; Madelene Taggart, Oxford Ambulance Association Executive Director and OASC Co-Chair; and Pamela Mautte, Director of the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, in bringing this much needed service to Oxford.

For more information about the C.A.R.E.S. organization and their other support group locations, call 855-406-0246 or visit www.thecaresgroup.org.