In Billy’s honor, we have become GRASP Chapter Leaders. Our bereavement group will meet in the Rectory Meeting Room at St. Rose of Lima Church 2 Bayview Ave., Massapequa, on the 3rd Friday of each month from 7pm – 9pm. Please call Debbie Garceau for pre-registration at 516-729-4304. For further information, visit www.grasphelp.org or email [email protected]
While death is an experience to all mankind, grieving is a very personal journey and a highly individual experience. It is frequently said that the grief of bereaved parents is the most intense grief known. “There is no relationship like that of a parent and child. It is unique and special….The bond between parent an child is so powerful that its strength endures time, distance and strife. No loss is as significant as the loss of a child…On the death of a child, a parent feels less than whole.” (Arnold and Gemma 1994, 25-27) Although we have a long road ahead, our journey thus far has taken us to many places where we have already met numerous people who, unfortunately, share this unimaginable pain. However, it is these same people who also radiate an empathy that has been a source for our gradual healing.
Addiction is a disease of the brain. The video below is an informative lecture that brings clear understanding to a disease that is very misunderstood. The link provided will give you the opportunity to purchase the complete DVD, as well as the opportunity to connect with Dr. Kevin Mccauley directly. It was only recently that we learned of the institute, and it is our hope that by passing this information along we can help those who are affected.
HELPFUL LINKS:
• America’s Killer New Drug: A 2019 Guide to Fentanyl – Drug Detox and Residential Treatment – Laguna Shores Recovery
• Hope Stems from changing the conversation around addiction
• Facts About Mental Illness – Arrow Passage Recovery Center
• Families in Support of Treatment
• Male Depression | Southern California Sunrise Recovery Mental Health Treatment (socalsunrisemh.com)
To reach the institute of Dr. Kevin Mccauley visit www.pleasureunwoven.com
Shatterproof is committed to changing how society views Addiction Disease. Ending the stigma will enable those with Addiction to receive the proper help and treatment. We have become advocates in this commitment as well. Please visit http://www.shatterproof.org/ for more information on how you can help.
Unresolved grief and depression can make a person more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse problem. Our mission is to be a support resource to those suffering from addiction and substance abuse. Help is available for Addiction Disease, don’t suffer in silence – https://www.drugrehab.com/co-occurring-disorder/ptsd/ and https://www.drugrehab.com/co-occurring-disorder/depression/
February 2014 – In the wake of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s recent passing, there have been many harsh comments and judgmental viewpoints on the subject of Addiction. It is typical from “some” in our society who feel they have the right to speak their minds, even though the information they are sharing is incorrect. While Mr. Hoffman’s death is a tragic loss for his loved ones, friends and fans; it has brought much “intelligent” discussion to light on the subject of Addiction. I have attached an article that I found to be one of the best explanations as it clearly mimics the Video explanation from above (Dr. Kevin McCauley)
Both of these groups have, and continue to be a great source of comfort and information.
http://grasphelp.org/about-us/
Some may ask: “What difference does it make? Help is help. Sympathy is sympathy.” Those who know, will answer: “The difference is in the faces of other parents.” The shifting to space themselves apart physically and emotionally. The silent response…. or even….. The spoken, “My child was good and didn’t deserve to die!” Which implies that all those who succumb to drugs of varying kinds deserved to leave this earth? And family — especially parents — must be as bad (oh yes, imperfect parents) to have seen and allowed this death to happen. Using their steadfast love, Gary and Denise (Cullen) began the grieving and healing processes through their own research and reading. All the while they found themselves shaking their heads in disbelief at the non-response to the needs of themselves and others who must be searching also. It took some time for GRASP to be “conceived and born”.
“There is scientific proof that is no longer disputed in the field of addiction that there are genetic components to this disease. If one has not been affected directly, or have reason to have knowledge of this science, they cannot be expected to understand this. Part of our work is to educate people, help them understand that addiction is NOT a choice.” – Broken no more / Heal
Myths and Facts about Grief
MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.
MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.
Fact: Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.
MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.
Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have other ways of showing it.
MYTH: Grief should last about a year.
Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can differ from person to person.
Source: Center for Grief and Healing