Discussions

I have a close family member that has been stuggling with a drug addiction for several years.  
 
I've been to various resources in our community to get support as I made my way through all the stages of coming to terms with dealing with someone battling this disease.  
 
Something that I haven't found is a weekly support group specific for family members of person's addicted to narcotics.  
 
Is this group out there? If it is, where are you located? And if it isn't, is there interest by others dealing with this issue to start a group like this?  
 
Edited by Dunno, 2017-01-25 15:22:48

http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/Manitoba-NA-AA-Narcotic-Anonymous-Alcoholic-Anonymous-Meeting.html#narAnon  
 
Take care of yourself.

Being related to a member of Al-Anon I can tell you that there are members of Al-Anon who attend because their family members suffer from the disease of drug addiction. It is not just for those with alcoholic family members. It absolutely changed my relative's way of living with a loved one who suffers in addiction. I would recommend checking it out. There are two groups in Brandon. One meets Tuesday evening at 7:30 in Knox United Church basement. I'm not sure of the other one but think it's on Wednesday.

I heard recently of a Nar-Anon meeting starting up but can't recall if it's Brandon or Winnipeg. Would travel to Winnipeg once per week be feasible?

for the info.  
 
I know of the Al Anon groups in our community and I have not gone that route. I recognize that addictions have common threads that bring people together for support and I can appreciate the need for that.  
 
I'm looking for other people who have experience with a family member's narcotic abuse to the point of needle use, crime, and homelessness. Just want to be around people who can fully understand the sitation I'm in.

I can guarantee that you would find that support at the Tuesday night Al-Anon meeting. If you aren't comfortable in the group, you would at least have a chance to make connections.  
 
My relative who attends has dealt with a family member hooked on crack, who committed crimes to support their addiction. There are others with similar situations: family in jail, on the streets, disowned, dead.  
 
The group will probably focus more on a solution for living than talking about the problem that the addict lives with. I'd encourage you to try it once before saying no.

I would be happy to help you to set one up or connect you to more resources in relation to this. Please email me at connier@mooddisordersmanitoba.ca or contact my office in Brandon at 204-725-1232.  
 
We have a meeting once a month for family and friends who are living with a loved one suffering from a mood disorder. You may find this helpful and are welcome to attend. Drug and alcohol additions are a coping method and quite often there lies a mood disorder that is creating a lot of pain and heartache for the person. We are here to help.

I am looking for support as well. Sent you a PM Dunno!

MoodDisordersofManitobaWestman said "I would be happy to help you to set one up or connect you to more resources in relation to this. Please email me at connier@mooddisordersmanitoba.ca or contact my office in Brandon at 204-725-1232.     We have a meeting once a month for family and friends who are living with a loved one suffering from a mood disorder. You may find this helpful and are welcome to attend. Drug and alcohol additions are a coping method and quite often there lies a mood disorder that is creating a lot of pain and heartache for the person. We are here to help. "

I appreciate your offer to assist. I will be in touch!

There is power in education and peer support - lots of resources out there. I look forward to helping you find those resources. Take care.

Dunno said "I have a close family member that has been stuggling with a drug addiction for several years.     I've been to various resources in our community to get support as I made my way through all the stages of coming to terms with dealing with someone battling this disease.     Something that I haven't found is a weekly support group specific for family members of person's addicted to narcotics.     Is this group out there? If it is, where are you located? And if it isn't, is there interest by others dealing with this issue to start a group like this?     Edited by Dunno, 2017-01-25 15:22:48"

Thank you to everyone that touched base. I will try again to raise awareness on this medium and then move forward with getting the group underway while hoping that others will join when the concept gains traction.

contact AFM @ 204-729-3838. They might be able to give you information for support. Good luck