The Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres (CKCHC) is excited to announce our new mental health and addictions program: “The E.P.I.C Group”; a drop in group designed to explore substance use and mental illness.
This program will begin February 27th, at our Wallaceburg location (808 Dufferin Ave.) and will run for 20 consecutive weeks on Thursdays from 1:30-3pm. This drop in style group will be facilitated by a Registered Social Worker and Addictions Counselor who have experience working with individuals who have both a mental illness and substance use issues.
“A report on co-morbidity of alcohol use and mental health disorders in an Ontario sample found that 55% of those with a lifetime alcohol diagnosis also qualified for a lifetime mental health diagnosis.” (Health Canada, 2002).
“Studies have also reported that close to 77% of those treated for alcohol-related disorders have experienced at least one other psychiatric disorder during their lifetime” (Health Canada, 2002).
The E.P.I.C group will provide individuals with substance use and mental health issues with support, encouragement and information about the impact of substance use on their lives.
This 20 session drop in group will also:
- Educate members about the interactions between mental illness and substance use
- Allow for the examination of individual experiences
- Teach information about concurrent disorders
- Promote skill building for addressing basic needs, problematic social situations and management of mental illness.
The overall goal is to help individuals become motivated to work on reducing their use of substances so that they can live a healthier, substance-free lifestyle.
Acknowledging that one has a problem with alcohol and/or drugs is not essential for joining the group.
Anyone who wants to learn more about their mental illness, their substance use and their interactions with others would benefit from joining this group.
You are not alone.
For program information, please contact Laura MacDougald, Health Promoter, at 519-397-5455.
