FAMILY, FRIENDS OF METH USERS GET SUPPORT

Having a friend or family member addicted to methamphetamine can
often lead to feelings of frustration and loneliness. Now, they have
a place to turn for support.

The Mesa County Meth Task Force along with two local therapists will
run the "Share and Care" support group. The group offers a place for
family and friends of meth users to come together and offer support
for one another.

"They feel like they can't control the user, and they're scared and
don't know what to do," said Angie Palmer, coordinator for the Meth
Task Force of Mesa County. "Everyone focuses on the user and getting
them help. This is a forgotten group - the family and the friends."

The six-week support group proved popular during its spring and
summer sessions.

"The previous sessions were so successful that the families who
attended continued to meet even after they left the group," Palmer said.

The "Share and Care" Group will start Sept. 20 and will run for six
weeks. The group will meet from noon to 1 p.m. at the First
Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction.

Participants don't have to register, and their identities are kept
confidential.