Those abusing drugs can seek treatment, but where does the family go for support?
CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- Drug abuse ravages not only the addict, but the family members who watch it destroy the life of a loved one.
For someone battling drug abuse or addiction, there's different levels of treatment, but for the parents or other relatives, where can they turn for support?
A police department in South Jersey is spearheading a support system for parents or family members of those suffering from drug abuse.
Carneys Point Police, in Salem County, is starting a free community outreach open to any parents or loved ones in hopes of bringing some hope in times of a drug epidemic.
N.J. family addiction resources
"The idea started last summer -- I locked up a girl who committed a theft to acquire drugs and the mother asked what she could to do help her daughter," Det. Matthew Petrutz said.
"I didn't really have an answer for her," the detective continued, adding that he researched online and after watching a documentary, the idea came to him.
With collaboration from the Police Chaplain Program, specifically the Carneys Point chapter, groups will be able to gather once a month to vent, connect, and gain support from other struggling family members.
The Police Chaplain Program is active in roughly 40 areas through New Jersey, and works to establish partnerships and relationships between police, sheriff departments, and other law enforcement agencies.
Although the support group is only in its infancy stages, members of the Carneys Point Police Department said they hope to see it expand and meet more than just once a month.
This gathering is open to anyone in the region, not just Salem County, Petrutz said, and will be strictly confidential.
Throughout the past several months, the Carneys Point Police Department has responded to several drug-related incidents.
"You see a lot of addicts steal from relatives -- it affects everyone differently. These parents what wants best for their kids, but they see them relapse over, and over, again," Petrutz said.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 52 million people in the country older than 12 years old use prescription drugs non-medically.
Additionally, the use of heroin increased by 75 percent from 2007 to 2011, according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
In 2015, more than 28,000 have sought treatment in just New Jersey for heroin or opioid abuse -- since 2010, more than 184,000 were admitted to treatment facilities for heroin or opioid abuse.
"This is for the family to support those who watched their kids, brothers, sisters, who've battled this increasing epidemic," Det. Joe Racite said.
Also, the number of heroin-related deaths in the state in 2014 was 781 -- since 2004, there were more than 5,200 heroin-related deaths in New Jersey.
These groups are not meant for those belonging to 12-step recovery programs, but specifically for family of loved ones battling substance abuse.
"It's join to reach out to the community, better our community one step at a time," Carneys Point Police Chief Gerald Krivda said.
The first gathering will be held at Iglesia Un Cantico Nuevo, Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m.
The church is located at 235 N. Broad St. in Carneys Point Township.
Authorities remind parents that anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please call 856-299-1356.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.