Back to school: Family Addiction Education

Here's a back-to-school thought for September: 

When someone is addicted to alcohol or other drugs, everyone around him or her suffers. If you're in that impacted inner circle, it's tempting to try to control the drinking or drugging and all the other behaviors that come with them--and it's so frustrating when you find you can't. You're dealing with a disease that's more powerful than you or the person who is addicted. 

So what do you do?

You can start by learning from others who have been through it. PRO-ACT offers free Family Education Programs for families and friends affected by a loved one's addiction. Led by trained volunteers who have been in the same situation, these free information and support programs begin the first week of each month and run one evening a week for three consecutive weeks. Was session lasts two hours.

Family Education Programs take place in several locations throughout the Delaware Valley, including Bristol, Colmar, West Chester, Media and three sites in Philadelphia.

Sessions are free and confidential--first names only. Pre-registration is requested so PRO-ACT can ensure that volunteers are available. To register, call PRO-ACT, weekdays 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. at 800-221-6333 or visit http://www.councilsepa.org/programs/pro-act/family-education-program/