November Pathway Session on Insurance summary

On Wednesday, November 18, our virtual Pathway Session on insurance highlighted steps family members and loved ones can take to fully utilize their benefits.  Scott Leshin, CEO and Founder of SJ Health Insurance Advocates, went through an “Insurance 101” presentation and then answered questions from parents and recovery coaches. Among the points addressed were: Most plans are “self-funded” by larger …

Books of the Week

Starting 4 weeks ago, we added a Book of the Week post for our parents and all who could benefit. So far, we have featured the following books on social media including Facebook and Instagram: Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens and Nicole Kosanke. Key quote: “Understanding—not condoning—why people do what they …

Pathway Sessions Restarted

On Wednesday, November 18 at 7PM, NCPSG’s Pathway Series of monthly education meetings will be restarted after a 6-month hiatus due to COVID.  Our Pathway Sessions were held in the past at the New Canaan YMCA, but physical meetings have been deferred for the foreseeable future. Each meeting will consist of a Zoom video format, and will comprise 20-30 minutes …

Our Virtual Vigil is a big success!

Our 4th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil, which was streamed on Wednesday, September 2 at 7:30PM, was a great success. Not only did our online attendance surpass our previous vigils, but we had attendees from New York, California and several other states! When the virtual ended at 8:30PM, our viewership on Facebook was over 430 and the viewership on YouTube …

Upcoming Virtual Vigil on September 2nd

Only seven days remain until this year’s Community Addiction Awareness Vigil, which will be livestreamed on Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:30-8:30PM. I’m personally heartened by the courageous speakers who share their authentic stories about substance misuse and recovery.  This year, Elisabeth, Henry, Mariann and Michael have stepped forward. In addition, our faith candlelight vigil is back and I’m grateful to Derrick Fallon …

Youth mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic

A recent article in the New York Times about youth mental health cited the rising levels of anxiety and depression of young adults during the pandemic. With that anxiety and depression comes the inclination to self-medicate with addictive substances including alcohol. During our upcoming virtual Addiction Awareness Vigil, we will hear from speakers who self-medicated and became dysfunctional, followed by …

The Big 3 Epidemics

As the New Canaan Parent Support Group plans our 4th Annual Addiction Awareness Vigil, we believe it is important to stand with those whose health has suffered from inequitable access to resources for prevention, treatment and recovery from addiction. Our event theme this year is “Helping Each Other Heal”, which means that ALL in our communities should be supported with …

Trey Laird & Cini Shaw of the Lighthouse

On a weekly basis, we will be highlighting different local people and resources in New Canaan and surrounding communities. These resources represent hope to parents and family members affected by addiction. Trey Laird, Cini Shaw and The Lighthouse are subjects of this week’s Community Focus, because they are recovery-friendly—providing sober living options–as well as recovery coaching–in New Canaan. Sober living …

The Hope & Remembrance Wall

In 2017, when we were planning our first Addiction Awareness Vigil, the Hope & Remembrance Wall was born. The idea was to remember and honor both those who died too soon, as well as those struggling who are now in long-term recovery. Today, July 15, it’s been 5 years since my son Evan died of an overdose in New Haven. …

Weekly support meetings now virtual; we also have secret Facebook Group

Two items to mention: 1) Our weekly parent support meeting has moved to a virtual meeting format using Zoom Video. The details are as follows. Every Thursday, a little before 7PM, just click the following link: https://zoom.us/j/740190592?pwd=VUJKNitKdlZFa3d2cWxGZFFBNTdWdz09 The Meeting ID is 740 190 592You shouldn’t need a password, but if you do try 102784. Or Dial: 1 929 205 6099 and …