NJ Connect for Recovery Announces: Series of Support and Education Groups for Coping with a Loved One's Opiate Use Disorder

The entire family is affected when addiction is present. People coping with substance use disorders need intervention and services. Loved ones who care for them may be scared or confused and often don't know where to turn for support and guidance. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey's (MHANJ's) NJ Connect for Recovery is offering a new series of Support and Education Groups that can help. Each group will be facilitated by a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or a Family Peer Specialist who is familiar with the effects of addiction on the family as well as the New Jersey system of care. These sessions will offer a safe, non-judgmental environment offering proven, helpful strategies about addressing addiction and recovery. Participants may also benefit from guidance and group support. There is no cost to attend.

These community support and education opportunities are being funded through a grant from the Community Foundation of New Jersey.

Sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the MHANJ in Union County, 2333 Morris Ave., Building C, Suites 206 & 208, Union, NJ. R.S.V.P. is requested. For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact Pam Taylor at ptaylor@mhanj.org or 855-652-3737. See below for dates and topics. Please note that registration is required for the Narcan training on November 15, 2016, which will begin at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

Fall Schedule

November 1, 2016 – New Jersey Mental Health Players Interactive Performance and Group Discussion

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s renowned theater troupe, the New Jersey Mental Health Players, will present an engaging, interactive theatre performance on the topics of “The Stress of Caregiving” and “Preparing for the Holidays”.

November 3, 2016 – Addicted Family Roles

Learn about the various roles family members take on when there is addiction in the family unit.

November 8, 2016 – Election Day, No Group

November 10 group - Understanding How the Disease Progresses

Explore the stages of a substance use disorder by using the Jelinek curve as a model.

*November 15, 2016 – Nar-Can Training, 6 p.m. Start Time

Learn to administer Naloxone to reverse overdose. Each Participant will receive a kit. This session is limited to 30 people. Please R.S.V.P. by November 10, 2016 by emailing Pam Taylor at ptaylor@mhanj.org or calling 855-652-3737.

November 17, 2016 – Coping Strategies for the Holidays

Discuss the challenges and gain coping strategies for the holiday season.