GROUPS HOPES TO HELP FAMILIES OF SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

Melanie, the mother of a longtime substance abuser, felt the need to
participate in a group and share her experiences with others.

After failing to find an existing support group, Melanie began to think
about starting one at the suggestion of Clark County Sheriff Troy Tucker.
She talked to Dr. Bill Viser, a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor,
and Rev. Maurice Hitt, director of missions for the Red River Baptist
Association.

Viser has agreed to counsel a support group, and the association will allow
the group to meet in its offices. It will be called Substance Abuse Family
Education (SAFE), and the first meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Sept. 20,
in the Red River Association office at 601 S. 7th St. A $5 donation will be
asked to cover publication and professional fees. Weekly meetings are planned.

Viser, who is also an advanced certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor,
said the group's goal is to "establish and maintain a strong support group
for victims of substance abuse." Some of the topics that will be covered
include: How did we get here, and how do we salvage our lives? Learn that
we didn't cause it, and we can't cure it. Learn that addicts have
uncontrollable physical, mental and emotional cravings. Learn how to get
out from under the control of the addict and heal from the abuse.

Viser will help by giving the group members direction. "I'll be leading a
group for those who wish to better relate to the problem of a loved one who
suffers from an addition.

"I see my role as helping them cope, day-to-day, more effectively." He said
he knew first hand about the need for such a group. "I have frequent
contact with people who have a need -- a concerned family who wants to know
what can be done about an individual who is a substance abuser. People are
desperate, and don't know where to turn.

"The beautiful thing about what we're doing is we have people in our
organization who have children or other family members who have had a
devastating effect on their families." Some of the SAFE board members are
persons who have personally dealt with the problem of living with substance
abusers.

In attending the group's meetings, Viser said, "people are going to get a
feeling of people who understand -- definite empathy. They'll think, "Here
are people who understand,' and they'll find direction to help themselves."

Substance abusers' family members need to know what not to do that they've
been doing. "That is, enabling the loved one to continue to indulge in
destructive behavior." Viser said the situation with abusers and their
enablers could be compared to rescuing a drowning person. "You approach
them from the back or they'll cause you to drown.

"The spouse or parent of an abuser must stay healthy, or they'll go down,
too. Enablers are not bad people. They just get caught up in it. If they
continue, there will be no positive change."

The group will aim to show people that they can make a difference. "If we
just help that family member, we've succeeded." Viser said he's thrilled
"to be part of something that will have a positive impact on people's
lives, and make the community a better place to live."

Hitt said Melanie approached him with her idea about a support group, and
he discussed the possibility with Viser. "Dr. Viser and I agreed to pursue
the idea with Melanie." A steering committee was formed to expand the
leadership base and share responsibilities in determining the next steps.

The steering committee has been meeting regularly to make plans for the
support group. Once the group starts, the steering committee will become an
advisory board. The committee members include: Lynda Hood, chairman; Viser;
Hitt; Dr. Noland Hagood; Fran Stotts, pharmacist; Don Hood; Jan Chism; and
Alan Bettis.

"My role has been to be a part of the steering committee. I believe there
are more parents and friends who need the support the group will provide.
So I want to be there to encourage and help find other sources of support
for the group," Hitt said.

For more information about SAFE, call Viser or Hitt at 246-9524, or Lynda
Hood at 246-9414. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the support group
meetings, and the group will protect the anonymity of those who participate

Series Index:

Part 1: The Effects Of Substance Abuse, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1481/a05.html

Part 2: Families Of Abusers Often Need Support, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1481/a03.html

Part 3: Prescription Drugs Often Abused, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1481/a04.html

Part 4: Groups Hopes To Help Families Of Substance, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1481/a06.html