A new support group in Castlegar is working to give hope to families and individuals impacted by substance use.
Holding Hope (HH) is a peer-facilitated support group offered through Moms Stop the Harm. The Castlegar group started up this spring and is welcoming new participants.
"I don't know if there is a community that doesn't need this group," says Jacquie Huser, the person responsible for setting up new Holding Hope groups in the Interior Health region. "There are families in every community that need support."
Family relationships can suffer under the strain of a loved one's substance use and HH aims to offer stigma free, non-judgmental support.
"When you are a family member with someone struggling, it is so isolating," says Huser.
That is part of the reason that her number one piece of advice is to seek support right away.
"You don't have to go through this alone," said Huser.
The groups are led by facilitators who have gone through similar circumstances to those seeking support. They have lived experience supporting a loved one using substances.
"Everyone has an opinion, but talking with someone who has walked the same walk is especially helpful," said Huser.
"You go to bed at night wondering if your kid is going to be alive in the morning. You live in that anticipatory grief walking this journey because of the toxic drug supply. Being able to share with people that are living that same life is just so important."
Other goals of the group include supporting participants in telling their unique stories, sharing information and local resources and helping participants acquire coping skills and build resilience.
If you are interested in joining Castlegar Holding Hope email holdinghopecastlegar@gmail.com. There are also HH groups in Nelson and Grand Forks as well as a brand new group in Trail. For those living outside of these communities, HH also offers a rural B.C. virtual group.
Moms Stop the Harm also offers the Healing Hearts bereavement support group for those who have lost a loved one to substance use related harms. Contact healingheartscastlegar@gmail.com for more information.
