Recovery Connections Network : 4 ways to make connections this month

Friday, October 9, 2020

4 ways to make connections this month

In the past months and weeks, it seems as if a new challenge has popped up every day. For many families, these struggles are compounded by very personal concerns about addiction and substance use. Yet we have hope in the midst of this trying time. We see parents and professionals reaching out, checking in and making connections. We see them sharing knowledge, supporting each other and showing empathy to those struggling.

It’s this type of healthy connection that can help prevent subtance use and support sustained recovery for people who have struggled with substances in the past.

Preventing and/or addressing substance use in your family, workplace or community may seem daunting, but there’s always an opportunity to make a connection. Below we offer four ways to promote human connection and healthy outcomes during this isolating time.

WAYS TO CONNECT:

With your teen or young adult
Conversations with your child can happen whenever or wherever you’re spending quality time together such as during meals, while taking a walk or during a car ride.

With yourself
Taking care of your own emotional and physical health is important. For some, self-care may be as simple as taking a break from work, reading a chapter in a book or making a cup of tea. If you struggle with managing stress, engaging in therapy can help, too.

With other local nonprofits
Our Community Partners Network is a national network of locally-based organizations that serve families struggling with substance use and/or mental health issues. By working together, we’re able to share resources, foster communication and increase the bandwidth of small-but-mighty teams who are dedicated to helping families.

With your representative
When a community is involved and empowered, we can accomplish needed change in our public policies and health care system. Send a letter to your Members of Congress urging them to cosponsor a grant program to provide support services for families struggling to help loved ones with substance use disorders.