New Milford C.A.R.E.S. Helps Residents Coping with Substance Abuse

NEW MILFORD, CT — Do you know someone who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction? New Milford C.A.R.E.S. is a free community resource for loved ones of those who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs or other substances.

The C.A.R.E.S. Group was founded by a mother and her son who felt first-hand, over a decade of struggling, the devastating impact addiction has on the entire family.

Parents often suffer silently and C.A.R.E.S. facilitates connections between individuals dealing with the disease of addiction and its negative effects.

The C.A.R.E.S. Group offers free, weekly support groups that provide education, support services and resources for parents, families, and community members addressing issues related to substance abuse and addiction.

"By connecting affected families with one another, through skilled facilitation and mentorship, they find the means to cope with a myriad of issues associated with substance abuse and addiction: stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, anxiety, loss, grief and social isolation," the group said in a statement.

Free weekly support groups are held in the following towns:

• Brookfield C.A.R.E.S. meets on Monday evenings and is facilitated by Dan Mosner. The group meets at the Brookfield Senior Center, 100 Pocono Rd. Brookfield, CT.
• New Milford C.A.R.E.S. meets on Thursdays and is facilitated by Mike Svanda and Pam Walker. The group meets at the First Congregational Church, 36 Main St., New Milford, CT.
• Ridgefield C.A.R.E.S. meets on Thursdays and is facilitated by Joe Benner. The group meets at Insight Counseling Offices, 103 Danbury Rd #1, Ridgefield, CT.

For more information and for hours, visit The CARES Group's website: http://www.thecaresgroup.org/or call (203) 948-1254.