Discussions

I have heard about a support group in Brandon for families of addicts. Does anyone have any information on this? Where/when they meet? How does one join? Any advice?

AFM in Brandon should be able to give you some direction.  
 
https://afm.mb.ca/contact/brandon-and-surround/

You can email Danielle LaLonde at westmanfamiliesofaddicts@outlook.com

Support group is now 100 strong, and i am willing to bet there is likely 5 more for each person that is affected by the city’s meth/opioid crisis!  
 
We are here to help, and we can do that by breaking the stigma, and spreading awareness that this is truly a community issue. No one is immune.  
 
We are supporting families, advocating, compiling resources, and holding monthly meetings and a public education forum in January 2018 (see events).  
 
If you are in need of support, have any questions, or are interested in getting involved as we become a non-profit organization please give Danielle a shout at the email above!  
 
We welcome EVERYONE in need of support with a loved ones drug addiction, and also welcome professionals willing to get involved in battling this devastating community issue.

The easiest thing to do is to go the first time. The hardest thing to do is to go the second time.  
 
Advice? Empty your head. Go to a meeting. The first person you see, walk up and say "Hi, I am new". My first meeting, the inclusiveness was mind expanding.  
 
Just walk in.

We have been to AFM. Although they offer educational sessions, there is not a support group for those dealing with an addict in their life.  
 
Thanks for the information!

I have been to some of these meetings and have found it helpful, even to know there are others going through the same thing and able to share in a non judgmental environment.. there is a meeting this Tuesday. I think someone said its in the events part.

Tuesday evening Brandon Refit store 23-12th St 7-9pm  
 
I'm unsure as to why our events have not been posted under that section.  
Please pass along the word! Hope to see you there! This month we will be hearing a presentation by an addict in recovery & her journey and advice.

There is a education forum on January 9th on the drug crisis in Brandon, put on by Westman Families of Addicts Inc. It is at Knox United Church from 7-9pm. I am trying to post their flyer but don't know how to!

Here is the Facebook link about the forum  
 
https://www.facebook.com/events/316975932130046??ti=ia

I’m wondering how many are planning on attending, and if there is anything they would like specifically addressed?

Awesome panelist are confirmed for the forum from every walk of life. It’s going to be an informative, eye opening and educated evening!

1. Brandon Friendship Centre group meets on January 8th, 8:00 p.m. at 303 - 9th Street.  
 
2. Adult Teen Challenge (Rehab Facility for women in Brandon) has a support group.  
 
3. Westman Families of Addicts meets second Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm at CMHA.  
 
4. Narcotics Anonymous has a group in Brandon. I think it's Wed at AFM.  
 
5. And of course Addictions Foundation of MB offers several services, besides a support group.

puddles said "I’m wondering how many are planning on attending, and if there is anything they would like specifically addressed? "

Right? I plan on going, to find our what's happening in Brandon & what there is in the way of help for addicts, their families & friends. We all need information and help. I'm not too proud to be seen there. We ALL need to be informed. I saw the Police Officer from Winnipeg who is speaking tomorrow, on TV a few weeks ago - he's got his own story to tell, losing his son to drugs. I'm hoping to bring a friend or two.

January 9h  
7:00-9:00  
Knox United Church  
18th & Victoria Brandon  
 
Contact us:  
westmanfamiliesofaddicts@outlook.com  
Find us on Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram

I am really excited about the learning possibilities tonight with the amazing panel scheduled...  
Housing First, Brandon Bear Clan, CMHA, Samaritan House, Westman Families, the Mayor, AFM to name a few-the folks working in the "trenches" and doing so much for our community!

I am anxious to see what comes from this meeting. We need a detox center and a system that helps people with meth and opioids addiction! Jail isn't the answer!

Thank you too everyone that attended our first forum! What an awesome bunch of people! We collected a lot of feedback, and great strides have been made since the forum. We are now officially looking at a detox in Brandon, we are developing a youth education forum, and hoping to educate some members/volunteers to start work, education and research on some holistic models of treatment, but we need your help. We have started a GoFundMe page to help with expenses, and would appreciate any little bit, or even a share with your friends! We are now supporting 160 families, and have started a substance abuse page for addicts.  
 
Here is the link for the gofundme:  
 
https://www.gofundme.com/westman-families-of-addicts

valia said "I am anxious to see what comes from this meeting. We need a detox center and a system that helps people with meth and opioids addiction! Jail isn't the answer! "

would have to be based on forced admissions wouldn't it? If it was voluntary addicts could just walk out after a certain amount of time. I've seen people who get admitted to hospital for treatment (quitting drugs) and as soon as they get out they are back to using.  
 
At least if a person is sentenced to jail for, say, four months, that's a good amount of time that they would not be using drugs. That time away from ingesting drugs would be a good head start to a clean and sober life, imo.