The Canadian Mental Health Association Swan River branch will begin hosting an addiction recovery skills course.
The first one will be on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 at the CMHA admin office at 110 7th Avenue North in Swan River.
The course is free and is available to anyone concerned about their own use of drugs and or alcohol.
Rod Seib is the peer support and public education coordinator for CMHA in Swan River. He says this is a program that has been offered previously.
"Just being a need in the community, this is a program that we introduced a few years ago," said Seib. "We want to make the program available to anyone who thinks they could benefit from it."
It's a seven-week program with one session per week. It'll run until the end of March.
"Each session will focus on a different topic related to addiction," added Seib. "We will present some helpful strategies. Whether it's reducing use or full abstinence, we will have helpful tips and resources available to you."
Some people with substance abuse disorders remain quiet about their struggles due to a combination of shame, fear of judgment, and the isolating nature of addiction. Some also deny the severity of any disorder.
Rod struggled with alcohol for many years. He runs the program and is now seven years sober. If you are struggling, Seib says you'll be welcomed with open arms.
It's a safe space, and there will be no judgment, just ways to help yourself and move forward.
"Certainly, there is that empathy in the space. It will be a safe space," ended Seib. "I know what it's like when people struggle and feel alone. Many people want to make a change, but it's very difficult to do it alone. We take the approach that it's better to have a support group. You will learn skills that will help."
To register for the seven-week course, call 614-8544.
