The substance abuse epidemic is raging in southern West Virginia. Not only is it destroying the lives of those in addiction, but it is destroying the lives of those who must watch their loved ones suffer.
By its very nature, addiction is difficult to talk about, especially for those who aren’t engaging in substance abuse, but care about someone who is. Thankfully, there is a group in Rupert that provides support to family members and friends who need help facing this all-too common issue.
Western Greenbrier Al-Anon started out about two years ago as a small group of people who had lost family or friends, in one way or another, to addiction, and needed the skills to take care of themselves, according to an administrator with the group. At first, this group didn’t carry the title “Al-Anon,” but through continued growth, and the need to reach more people throughout the area who need help, now it does.
Al-Anon is a 12-step program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. The central part of the program is meeting with others who share the same feelings of despair and frustration, in an anonymous setting, and finding the way to self-care.
“What’s talked about here stays here,” the administrator said about the complete anonymity of the program.
Through Al-Anon, everyone receives a 12-step workbook and one step is discussed each month.
“I am always quick to emphasize that while Al-Anon is primary to those with alcohol addiction, that is just one part,” the administrator continued. “That is just one of all addictions. This is not just a program for alcohol, but for all substance abuse.”
“I wish I knew about the 12-steps a long time ago,” the administrator continued, adding that the benefits received from committing to the program can be extremely beneficial. “I am grateful for it.”
Al-Anon meetings take place every Tuesday at the Bascom United Methodist Church located at 208 Church Street, near the fire department, in Rupert, beginning at 6 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, or due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, some meetings take place through a Facebook group. However, the goal is to make all meetings in-person. In the future, the group plans to begin AA meetings at the same location.
For more information, send an email to marticottrell56@hotmail.com.
