SUPPORT GROUP PLANNING MEETING FOR ADDICTION

For many, hearing from the voice of experience speaks the loudest.
For those in the area who wish to find out more about the effects of
drugs, especially crystal meth, and how to find help, a meeting that
should not be missed will be held on Oct. 15.

The Tough Love Support Group, a group for local parents of young
people fighting addictions, has decided to host a meeting in
conjunction with Teen Challenge, a chain of residential drug and
alcohol rehabilitation centres.

Several young people who have turned their lives around through Teen
Challenge will be speaking at the Oct. 15 meeting, including a
Hanover man who has a gripping story to tell.

His is a story of hope and a message for parents of addicts to not
give up hope.

Judy Walter of Hanover, a member of the Tough Love Support Group, has
helped organize the meeting. She says the group is hoping to use the
meeting as an outreach to people who need the help, as well as
parents who need support.

As she says, the Teen Challenge speakers will be telling those who
have found themselves in trouble with addiction that they know where
they're coming from, but that they need to turn their lives around.

"Parents are frustrated, they want their kids to get help and there
are so many on the street that need help," says Judy.

She's hoping that a "been there, done that" message will help those
who need it.

Teen Challenge is just one option for help. To learn about this
program and other ways of getting help, plan to attend the meeting on
Oct. 15 at 7 pm at the Red Lutheran Church in Hanover.

If you are a parent who needs support because of a child who is
struggling with addiction, a support group can be a lifeline. Just
talking to other parents who are going through similar crises can
help you through and let you know that you're not alone.

For more information on the Tough Love Support Group in Hanover, call 364-3574.