'There's hope': Resources for South Jersey families battling addiction

Here are several resources you need to know for families or loved ones of an addict or alcoholic:

Putting down the drugs and staying away from the first drink are only small steps in recovering from substance abuse. But when it comes to a lifetime of recovery, addiction touches more lives than just those suffering.

Drug an alcohol addiction is a family disease, according to Andrew Assini, a licensed addiction counselor.

Once faced with the storm of addiction, the life of the sufferer spreads to loved ones.

"Addiction doesn't just affect the individual -- it affects the entire family, which is why it's important to get as many people involved in the treatment and recovery process as possible," Assini said.

While there are treatment centers, twelve-step programs, and other support systems for those battling their addiction, what is there for the family?

"It's important that families get the education and support they need so when the loved one comes out of treatment, they aren't running to the same "sick" household, if they return at all," Debi Maines, a Gibbstown parent working with her own family recovery, said.

"What is lacking is the ability to get someone into treatment when they are ready to get help. That is a major issue all over the country," Maines said.

Getting a loved one into treatment is just the beginning of the healing process for the sufferer and the family, according to Maines.

Here are several resources you need to know for families or loved ones of an addict or alcoholic:

12-step meetings:

There are twelve step programs and meeting information for family members in addition to those fighting alcohol and drug addiction.

Family members or loved ones can learn to apply the same principles in their own lives and help them better deal with the struggle.

"It's very important as a parent or loved one to have those resources available. It can literally mean the matter of life or death for the loved one as well as the family," Maines said.

There are family meetings available, however there could always be more, according to the South Jersey mother.

There are also similar meetings for co-dependency, such as a lecture series that is offered at The Starting Point in Westmont on Wednesday's at 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Family Support:

There are various family groups scattered throughout the area -- from Gloucester and Salem counties to Camden and Cumberland counties.

Some established groups meet at the following locations:

* "Deeper Dimensions" at Jesus Parish Family Center in Woodbury at 7 p.m. on Sunday

* "The Meeting" at The Lord's Vineyard Family Recovery Church in West Deptford at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday

* Father John's Family Group at St. Charles of Borromeo in Washington Township at 7 p.m. on Monday

* "Humble Beginnings Family Group" in Cherry Hill at 7 p.m. on the first Friday each month

* "Celebrate Recovery" at Gloucester County Community Church in Sewell at 7:30 p.m. on Friday

Also, peer-to-peer recovery center in Glassboro in the works and is in the planning stages.

Laurel Guenther, a recovery advocate and Pitman parent herself, is also hoping to help families find some outlets for healing.

"Once they are in recovery, they are absolutely amazing," the Pitman mother said.

Guenther's son is in recovery from the disease of addiction and will soon celebrate three years clean and sober.

The Pitman mother attends various group meetings in an effort to share the message of hope and recovery, so that other people can see that it is possible, for the sufferer and family.

"There are programs for family members, you just have to be willing to go to them. I tell people to try them all -- you'll find one more more where you fit right in," Guenther said.

Online Support:

While it is always beneficial to find a support group for families to attend, sometimes that is not always an option.

There are online resources available as well, such as Facebook groups for family members that are private like Addiction Really.

Also, online chatrooms are available for family members, loved ones, alcoholics and addicts to utilize for support.

Many non-profit organizations or local-based organizations are available to anyone, by simply searching online for county resources, including the Center for Family Services.

Community events and networking:

Not only can families unite locally, but there are annual events, such as the Recovery Walk in Philly, coming up Sept. 19.

Other events and proactive efforts include Unite to Face Addiction, a rally held the first weekend in October, The Silenced Epidemic, which has reached audiences in Salem County.

There are goals to expand throughout the area.

Advocacy organizations also work to shatter stigma and help those in need, including NCADD-NJ.

Maines is just one parent fighting to break the negative stigma against addiction.

A formal name has not been established but a parental coalition is in its infancy and development stages.

Maines got involved with a family coalition when she started going to family support meetings.

"My recovery right now is about giving back and helping families find the peace and serenity I found when dealing with my daughter in active addiction," she said.

While a formal name has not been established yet for the parent's coalition, it is in its infancy phases and Maines hopes to see it grow.

"This will be a place for those suffering from the disease of addiction to go and collaborate with others in recovery," she said.

Many of these resources, and more, are available through recovery centers, such as The Starting Point and Samma Vayamma Health and Well-Being.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.