Substance Abuse

Leadership:

J. Paul Molloy, Coordinator                   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it                         301.589.0539

Committee Purpose:

To help parishioners and their families deal with alcohol and/or drug abuse.

Membership/volunteer criteria:

Anyone may join the program. Parishioners in recovery from alcohol and/or drug abuse are particularly welcome to join in the work of the program. There are no training or orientation requirements.

Volunteer opportunities:

Time commitment is variable. The program primarily seeks volunteers who are members of the recovery community, although other parishioners are welcome to participate. Activities include reaching out to help parishioners and their families who need help dealing with alcoholism and/or drug abuse, and compilation of a resource directory.

Meeting schedule:

Currently there are no regularly scheduled meetings.

Goals:

The program is new and near-term goals include:

  • Recruitment of members in recovery to help those who need recovery or are in early stages of recovery.
  • Establishment of an outreach team
  • Compilation of catalogue of resources within the county.

If you or anyone in your family has a problem affected by alcohol or addictive drugs help is available.   12-step programs are self-help groups where alcoholics and/or drug addicts help each other to become comfortable enough in total sobriety to stay clean and sober.   The following internet link provides a way to find out when and where in Silver Spring and the DC area there are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous [AA].  Just click this link http://www.aa-dc.org/meetings.asp and you will get a page that asks you to select when and where you want information about a meeting and whether you want English or Spanish.  All AA or NA meetings are free.   Some individuals addicted to drugs in addition to alcohol go to Narcotics Anonymous [NA] Meetings.  The link for NA meetings is http://www.cprna.org/meetings.htm. 


Often when someone is early in recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction they are able to get better support for staying clean and sober by living in a group with others who are in recovery.  Oxford House – which started right in Silver Spring just a few blocks from St. Michaels in 1975 – is a nationally recognized network of recovery homes that has helped many individuals.  There is no time limit once an individual is accepted at an Oxford House.  The cost is about $100 a week and the individual is free to come and go from the home but must stay clean and sober and pay his or her weekly share of household expenses [about $100 a week].  The following link http://www.oxfordhouse.org has more information about Oxford House and by clicking on vacancies one can find local houses with vacancies.


Also people living in Montgomery County obtain and or access behavioral health services (mental health and substance abuse) by calling 240-77-1770 or 240-777-4710 for help with addiction from the county. Adult consumers who are eligible for substance abuse services are linked to the Addictions Services programs in the County.  Consumers of all ages who are eligible for the Public Mental Health System are linked with providers who are able to provide the requested service at a location convenient for the consumer. Spanish language capacity is immediately available and consumers who speak other languages are assisted.  Addiction or alcoholism is a disease or illness.  It can and should be treated.  Recovery is possible and help is available but whether you or a family member is addicted it is necessary to ask for help.