Learn to Cope: A resource for families dealing with addiction

Last weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer at the inaugural charity 5k to benefit Learn to Cope, a non-profit whose goal is to provide a support network of those who have children and loved ones dealing with addiction and recovery.

It was an inspirational day – at once both heartwarming and heartbreaking. There were the usual runners out for a chance to compete in support of a great cause. But this race brought many others, for whom you could tell this was most certainly their first 5k. They came adorned in special team t-shirts, with buttons and ribbons with pictures honoring a loved one lost to addiction.

The unity of spirit they shared was amazing and uplifting. It was clear the enormity of the loss they shared for the one who passed was outshined by the love they shared for that person.

Anyone who loves an addict knows there are times you cannot help but to feel hopeless, scared, angry, to be in denial, or to just not know what to do.

Learn to Cope hopes to help by providing a network that offers resources, knowledge, education and support.  

The day left me wanting to do more to help and wanting to make sure that I helped spread the word to let others know about this group and ways others may also be able to aid those in need.  So, I am sharing here what I have learned. 

What you can do to help:

• Know that this is a resource – Be aware that this group exists and may be of help to you or someone you know. You can find more information at http://learn2cope.org/

• Educate yourself – Visit the Learn to Cope website to learn the signs of addiction and what you can do if someone you love is using drugs or alcohol. Mary Blake from WBZ has put together an informative 15 part series focused specifically on heroin and opiate addiction which is worth listening to: http://boston.cbslocal.com/tag/heroin-from-prescription-to-addiction/

• Adjust your expectations – You or your loved one may never be “cured” or “recovered.” The goal is to be in “recovery.”

• Consider supporting this group - The group hopes to hold the 5k on an annual basis. In the meantime, visit the website and donate.

As for your loved ones, if you can, intervene before it escalates and help them on the path to recovery. We share the goal of keeping their faces off the t-shirts.

Monica Medeiros is a Melrose Alderman at Large and candidate for State Senator in the 5th Middlesex District which includes Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Precincts 1, 2, 3 & 8 of Winchester. Learn more at www.VoteMonica.com or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/voteMonica.