AVITA offering free online support group for families of addicted

AVITA Community Partners in Toccoa-Stephens County will begin offering an online, Addiction and Recovery Family Support Group next week.

AVITA is working in tandem with HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens Collaborative to bring HOPE to parents and families dealing with drug addiction and recovery of loved ones through online support group sessions.

HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens Collaborative Co-Chair Kathy Whitmire says during this time of sheltering in place… parents and families of those struggling with addiction need support more than ever before.

According to Licensed Professional Counselor, Jon Kerr, who will lead each session, the online support group is to help the support people who have a loved one dealing with addiction.

“The online support groups are for parents and families of addicted people. It’s not really geared for people that have an active opioid addiction at this point. It’s more for the support people in those people’s lives. We wanted it to be an online forum about sharing resources and information,” he said.  “And offering support for those people who are involved in that addictive person’s life. Just to give them the support that they need and a place for them to vent.”

Kerr says that you can remain anonymous during the support group meetings.

He says the meetings are free; however, you will need to register by calling Kerr.

To register for the online support group contact Kerr by calling 678-371-3445.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m.