A new support group in Airdrie named Here Together is hoping to help and support families who may be going through substance abuse.

 Addiction affects not only the victim, but the victim's family, and now Airdrie families won't have to drive into Calgary to get the support they need.

Group creator Shawna Taylor says she personally has suffered through hard times and hopes to use her knowledge to help others in a similar situation.

"There's a huge opioid epidemic going on and we find that people who have family members who are suffering from substance abuse disorder, be it opioids or other drugs of any sort (...), there are some groups out there (...) but they are very limited in their frequency and they're in Calgary (mostly). I decided that I was lucky enough to have support when I was going through, and continue to go through, all of the things that I go through with having my daughter in active addiction."

Taylor hopes that Here Together will be able to help many Airdrie families.

"There are so many family members out there who don't have support, so I thought I would try and get something going so that people can come out. If they don't want to talk, they can just listen and maybe get some suggestions on things that worked for us or places to go (where) they can get some resources and help."

The group meets on the last Sunday of every month at the Airdrie Public Library from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.  Taylor says the first meeting had a good turn out and hopes that the second will be just as full.

"This (will) be our second (meeting). For the first one, I kind of thought I might be the only person there. Unfortunately, there's so much stigma and shame around this situation and having family members involved that so many people are sometimes scared to come forward. Especially (when), as big as a city Airdrie is, it's still pretty small; people tend to talk. I am quite past the point of people judging me anymore. As a parent, you're always your own worst critic. I'm hoping that more people will come. We had a pretty good turn out for our first meeting. There's no registration, anybody is welcome, you don't have to talk, it's confidential, you can just sit there and listen or share your story if you like."

Taylor believes that, with more education, the stigma behind addiction will be able to be dealt with and victims can start to heal.

"I think that the more people that become comfortable with sharing their story and realizing that this is not a moral failing, that this is actually a health issue (and that) addiction is a disease that chemically changes your brain chemistry, the more we can get people talking about it and not being embarrassed and ashamed and judging other people, that people who are struggling will be able to go out and seek treatment."

If anyone would like any more information, Taylor encourages them to contact her.

"If people do want more information, they can pop me a quick email at heretogether2019@gmail.com or just show up at the library at 2 o'clock on Sunday the 24th."

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