Recovery Support Services seeks to help families impacted by addiction

With the Opioid Epidemic reaching public health crisis levels, more and more families are feeling the effects of addiction. Recovery Support Services, a program of Behavioral Health Solutions based in Pharr, TX, aims to not only support those in recovery from drugs and alcohol—but their families. Starting July 3rd, 2019, it will hold weekly support meetings at Behavioral Health Solutions offices at 5510 N. Cage Blvd., Ste. A, in Pharr.

For Peer Recovery Coaches Stephen Allie and Monica Champion, recovery comes with daily affirmations of their desire to remain sober—and family is an integral part of the process. “The purpose of the group is to bring awareness to the families of those that are enduring active addiction, or are in recovery,” Stephen says. “We hope to open the hearts and minds of people that are feeling frustrated and at their limit regarding being able to endure the behaviors exhibited by their sick loved one.” The work is not without difficulty, however, as the stigma of substance use disorders in the Rio Grande Valley remains high despite the recent national attention to opioid-related deaths. Stephen remains hopeful families in need will reach out. “We aren’t receiving any referrals for this initiative; it will be purely word-of-mouth from the attendees. But this will work, and it is going to really help families.”

Monica adds, “We are here to help not only those suffering from a substance use disorder, but their families. When a loved one is dealing with this illness, becoming equipped to provide support is crucial. One must learn to manage expectations and still celebrate small victories. We’re doing this to prepare those who wish to support their loved ones for the uphill climb and take it together.”