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How has the opioid crisis affected the diocese?

Zoey Maraist | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

A group discusses how to tackle the opioid crisis during the quarterly opioid response meeting hosted by diocesan Catholic Charities at Good Shepherd Church in Alexandria Aug. 7. ZOEY MARAIST | CATHOLIC HERALD

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In July, diocesan Catholic Charities sent a parish survey to learn
how the opioid crisis has impacted people in the pews. Fifty-four people from
different parishes responded. Some of the respondees also attended the quarterly
opioid response meeting hosted by Catholic Charities at Good Shepherd Church in
Alexandria Aug. 7. There they discussed what needs to be done to help people
suffering from addiction and their families.

They also heard from Art Bennett, president and CEO of Catholic Charities.
They learned more about Calix, a group for Catholic addicts and those who have been
affected by the addiction of their loved ones. They listened to the testimony
of Joshua Cagney, a recovering alcoholic who was incarcerated and now works for
New Paradigm Recovery. Catholic Charities clinical counselor Lorzeno Resendez explained
how those ministering to people with addiction can maintain healthy boundaries
in the midst of chaotic situations.

Here are a few of the Catholic Charities survey responses.

How has your community, or family, been impacted by the
opioid crisis?

The parish has ministered to many families who have been
impacted by the crisis. We have had funerals for six to eight young adults, and
helped their parents and families through the grieving process.

As (a) parish receptionist — addiction references,
especially non-English speaking; and death/funeral response.

Personally, we have been greatly impacted. Our son is a
heroin addict in recovery. There was a lot of shame and we felt we were the
only ones. So many couples now come to us for advice and counsel.

Not by opioids but other addiction issues.

I am a professional working with this population.
Thankfully, my family has not been impacted, however, our community has been
significantly impacted with addiction, overdose and death.

What resources do you think are needed to assist those
who suffer from addiction?

More cooperation from (the) medical community in
discussion of opioid dependency before prescribing.

I believe it is important for them to have a safe place to
be heard and listened to as they carry their crosses.

True pain management. Healthcare throws medicine and not
alternative healing and coping. Detox facilities, post-detox therapy and
accountability teams.

Medical and addiction programs with strong faith-based
structure.

Meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in the area, carpool groups for
addicts, treatment centers parishioners have used and contacts to discuss, prayer
and Bible study groups for the addicts. For those charged with drug possession
and being released from jail, we need sober housing.

What resources are needed for their families?

Prayer warriors to storm heaven for them and their loved
ones. They need to have the power of prayer to defeat the powers of evil and
darkness. Counseling is needed on all fronts. There are so many issues to deal
with as they go through their crises.

Support from other families who are experiencing the
harmful consequences of opioid abuse.

Removing the stigma and listening to their needs,
providing support groups in churches. 

Education and, if necessary, money. 

1. A network of other families willing to provide
experiences and hope 2. Catholic Bible study and prayer groups for families in
the battle 3. Al Anon and Nar Anon meetings in the area 4. Good counseling
resources.

Where do you see parishes and the diocese assisting
during this crisis?

Building familiar, responsive staff relationships (that) encourages
volunteers and families to ask for critical help when needed. 

Small groups of faith gatherings, welcoming evening events
to support families dealing with this, possibly informational videos available
for check out, a night of question and answer from a professional sponsored by one
of the parish groups — say Praying College Moms or the young adult groups. 

Perhaps this should be preached from the pulpit? Perhaps
resources could be published in the bulletin. 

Most parishes are unaware of the complexity of the crisis.
At a minimum, parishes should stock brochures on where to get help. 

Something comparable to Samaritan Fund to help families
who are financially unable to access quality help.

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