New program helps addicts and families on road to recovery

April 19-- Apr. 19--WARRENSBURG -- A new therapy program for families affected by alcohol or drug addiction is available to community members through a grant-funded program that provides free workshops to help in the journey to recovery.

Recovery L.O.V.E. (Loved Ones Valued & Empowered) holds sessions from5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Recovery Lighthouse, 107 E. Culton St. "Networking" is done 15 minutes prior to and after the workshops.

Family therapy sessions also can be scheduled after the initial workshop.

Sessions are facilitated by Allison Rayburn, associate professor in the Child & Family Development program at the University of Central Missouri, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist with advanced training in trauma practices.

The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration of the Missouri Department of Mental Health funds the program, which began in November, Rayburn said.

"We often say addiction is a family disease -- it affects the whole family," she said.

While many recovery programs focus on the addict, Recovery L.O.V.E. "tries to help the family heal from addiction," she said.

"We also look at what was going on before that led to substance abuse," Rayburn said.

The program provides services to people who cannot access information, Rayburn said.

To date, the program, which started as small group, has served more than 30 families and has been opened up to the community, she said.

Participants are multi-generational and include parents, children, grandchildren and friends.

"The focus is on understanding and healing using research that shows involving families improves outcomes," Rayburn said.

Families receive five free family therapy sessions, she said, and the program "serves as a pivot point for other resources" that may be needed, such as medication and other levels of treatment.

Workshops cover such topics as family roles and healthy dynamics; medication-assisted recovery; use of Narcan and other crisis interventions; managing difficult emotions; becoming aware of unmet needs; and healthy conflict.

Word about the program has been spread by participants, she said.

"People hear about it from a friend, or friends bring friends and their kids," Rayburn said.

A "peer" in long-term recovery is available who can share experiences and give hope, comfort and strength, Rayburn said.

"We know in addiction and substance abuse treatment how powerful that is," she said.

Having a family member who has a substance abuse disorder is nothing to be ashamed about, she said.

"We welcome people who have a family member in any stage of recovery," Rayburn said. "What makes this program unique is that we tap into people who are afraid to step out of the shadows."

The group sessions are workshops, she said, where information is provided, questions answered and experiences shared.

"We get a lot of questions about 'what do I do?'" she said, noting that each situation is different.

People can get ideas that have worked for others from fellow participants, she said.

"We want them to leave with some insight, but also feeling more connected with each other," she said. "We use different activities to bring loved ones closer together."

People do not need an appointment to attend, Rayburn said. They can come in or can call and meet with someone to determine "if it's a good fit" for them.

Some people come to the first session alone and then bring family members or friends to the next session, she said.

People also can walk into the Recovery Lighthouse at any hour, she said.

"Sometimes families need help when they're in crisis," Rayburn said.

Sessions include 20 minutes of an activity that allows participants to apply new skills, she said, with activities designed for different age levels "to keep it interesting."

One young child said coming to the group with his father is his favorite activity, she said.

Addiction "is a tough topic," Rayburn said.

"We know families do the best they can with what they have. We don't expect them to know how to help (an addicted member)" she said.

The program is "a culture shift, from a lot of pressure on fixing a problem to healing," she said.

"We take the time to give people what they need or connect them to other resources," Rayburn said.

Feedback is given by participants as to whether or how they applied the skills taught and what they found helpful and what they had to change on their own, Rayburn said, "or they come back with more questions."

"Core attendees" who have been in the group for awhile have taken on mentor and leadership roles in supporting new members, Rayburn said.

"They make us proud," she said. "It's truly an honor to have people trust us with their families' lives."

For more information, call the Recovery Lighthouse at (660) 429-2222 or email emilym@recoverylighthouse.org.

Staff Writer Sue Sterling can be reached by emailing sue.sterling@dsjnow.com or by calling (660) 747-8123.

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