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Community Corner

Help For Families Dealing With Addiction

How to Cope provides support for family members impacted by addiction. Launched a little over a year ago in Ridgefield, close to 50 families have benefited from this program and the response has been overwhelmingly positive

How to Cope
differs from Al-Anon in that there are seven focused sessions run by a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who specializes in treating addiction. Participants are given the support, skills and a road map to help them move forward in a positive direction.

“How to Cope put my son’s addiction in an understandable context and reminded us to think about and protect our own needs.”   H.T., Wilton

When family members and friends begin to take charge and reconstruct their own lives, often the addicted person begins to seek help. Many program participants reported that the addicted family member had started treatment and was working on recovery since they completed the program.

“I appreciate the continued support, understanding and feedback. Knowing that the decisions I make daily have been correct, even though I doubt myself at times. Thank you for everything!”   S.P., Southport

When a family member or loved one is addicted, it puts tremendous stress on everyone. Adding to the stress, is the embarrassment and shame that often keeps people from seeking help. When families begin to understand that addiction is a disease, they are able to start the recovery process for themselves. 

“How to Cope provided an opportunity for me to talk, listen and learn in a safe, comfortable environment. I finally felt like it wasn’t just my husband and I living with addiction.”   J.P.,  Ridgefield

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Because the groups are small and confidential, participants are free to open up and share with each other. For many, this is the first time they are able to talk about the pain and struggle of having an addicted family member.

The next sessions of How to Cope start on Thursday, December 5th at 6pm in Danbury and Monday, December 9th at 5:30pm in Ridgefield. The groups are small, private and confidential and meet in the evenings.

For Danbury groups, contact Irene Sherlock by email at:
isherlock@mccaonline.com or call at (203) 456-0528.

For Ridgefield groups, contact Danielle Sileo by email at: dsileo@mccaonline.com or call at (203) 438-8680.

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