Humphrey: We must unify to give hope to families coping with a loved one’s addiction

Courtesy of PAL

Most people are aware of our current drug crisis and in particular the number of overdose deaths associated with opioids such as illicit fentanyl. Statistics indicate we are losing over 100,000 people a year nationally and here in Arizona over 800 deaths so far this year.

Lost in this is the staggering number of those who are suffering with substance use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that nearly 50 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder, and the vast majority of these individuals do not receive any treatment.

Also, lost in this is the tremendous collateral damage caused to the families, who so desperately want to help their loved ones but often do not know where to turn or who to trust. 

For these reasons, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, a national nonprofit based in Phoenix, is excited to host the 2nd annual one-day Power of Hope conference Oct. 5 at Grand Canyon University.

We want to bring together people from various communities with a personal and/or professional connection to substance use disorder. We will highlight the importance of restoration of our loved ones and their families affected by this disease by engaging the spectrum of recovery and being change agents around this issue.

Those who attend will be a part of a daylong event designed to attract individuals, parents, business leaders, counselors, treatment centers, social workers, public health leaders, and religious communities — anyone who has a loved one or knows someone who has battled with substance use disorder.

The conference will feature recognized speakers, breakout sessions, interactive activities, evidence-based research and educational and networking opportunities.

Over 30 organizations will be exhibitors at this event, providing resources to those in need.  Attendees will hear from national experts in this field on what works, such as Dr. Holly Geyer, author of “Ending the Crisis, Mayo Clinic’s Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use,” who will share on the brain’s response to substances and understanding what “addiction” really means.

Dr. Aaron Weiner, past president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine will speak about the intersection of mental health and addiction, and how many people who find themselves trapped in addiction and early recovery are in need of ways to cope with some very basic understandable human emotions, such as depression, anxiety and trauma.

The event will include 12 breakout sessions on such topics as finding ethical treatment programs, how to manage pain when in recovery, and dealing with adolescents and understanding the role of teen experimentation. Tools will be shared for parents, teachers and professionals.

Mark Rosman, a Hollywood writer, director and producer for over 30 years, known for classic family entertainment such as “A Cinderella Story,” will kick off the conference by share what he and his family learned navigating his daughter’s substance abuse and his upcoming  film that focuses on the effect of substance use disorder on the family and finding hope.

Together, we can impact the substance use crisis through hope and education by unifying the community to be change agents, to transform lives, and to take a well-rounded approach to recovery. To learn more about the conference, see the complete schedule and get tickets, visit conference.palgroup.org.

Editor’s note: Kim Humphrey is CEO/executive director of Phoenix-based nonprofit Parents of Addicted Loved Ones. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.