For many Americans, the end of the year brings images of happy families gathered around a Christmas tree, big dinners of turkey and stuffing, holiday music, and cozy fires. For others, the holidays can be a much darker and more difficult time – a time of family conflict, financial strain, and concerns about a family member with a substance use disorder.
To better understand the emotional toll of the holiday season and how it affects those who are battling a substance use disorder and their loved ones, Simsbury nonprofit A Promise to Jordan will host an in-person presentation, “Facing the Holidays”, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 6 to 8 pm. The presentation will take place at “The Barn” at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 124 Old Farms Road, Simsbury and all local restrictions with regard to the coronavirus pandemic will be followed.
Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan, notes, “For someone struggling with a drug or alcohol dependency, the holidays can be an especially challenging time to abstain, and it can be equally stressful for family members as they try to plan the holiday festivities while staying sensitive to the needs of their loved one.”
“Common holiday stressors like finances, gift giving, and strained family relationships can easily lead to over-consumption or a return to use after a period of abstinence for many,” Gray stated. “For an individual facing recovery or for family members supporting someone in recovery, it may be helpful to understand how individuals have maintained sobriety in the face of stress, anxiety, and depression brought on by the holiday season.”
The presentation will be led by Daniel Millstein, LCSW, JD and Keith Barile, RSS. Mr. Millstein is the Chief Executive Officer at Farrell Treatment Center in New Britain, which offers intensive residential and outpatient treatment services to those struggling with a substance use disorder.
Mr. Barile is a Drug and Alcohol Counselor with Behavioral Health Network. Both men are also in long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
A Promise to Jordan is named in honor of Jordan Arakelian, a Simsbury resident who died of a heroin and fentanyl overdose on June 30, 2018 at the age of 24. His mother, Lisa Gray, started the 501c3 organization in his memory to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of addiction, assist people in accessing quality care, and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with substance use disorders.
For more information on this event or A Promise to Jordan, visit www.apromisetojordan.org or email info@apromisetojordan.org.
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