Walking downtown it is hard not to notice the many orange bows swaying in the late summer breeze. They are a harbinger of a poignant event set to unfold on the 30th of August. The 7th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil, organized by the New Canaan Parent Support Group (NCPSG), will cast a compassionate light on the often-shadowy struggle of addiction recovery, with a particular focus on the role families play in empowering recovery journeys. Against the backdrop of live music and solemn testimonials, this event serves as both a commemoration and a rallying cry.
The opioid crisis, a relentless epidemic that continues to reverberate across the nation, demands attention at a granular level. It’s in the intimate stories of individuals and families that we glimpse the broader narrative. A symposium of scientific studies underscores the role of social support in addiction recovery. As the Vigil seeks to amplify, families can wield an undeniable influence.
“It’s during a critical moment with a struggling loved one when family members shine. I saw this with my son, Evan,” reflects Paul Reinhardt, the founder of NCPSG, whose poignant words encapsulate the essence of the upcoming event. Paul’s experience resonates through a litany of studies emphasizing the significance of family involvement in addiction recovery.
One study, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, revealed that individuals with strong family support systems were more likely to engage in treatment and sustain long-term recovery. The support offered by family members is often a powerful motivator, bridging the chasm between despair and hope.
Evan’s story, while tragic, is also emblematic of a struggle that countless families face across the country. After 15 months of arduous recovery, he succumbed to his opioid addiction. His memory serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless nature of this crisis and the imperative of continued advocacy.
The Vigil, which stands as a living memorial to Evan, will not only offer a platform for those in recovery to share their journeys but also facilitate the exchange of resources and stories. A memorial wall adorned with written and photographic tributes will stand as a testament to the lives impacted by addiction.
Lauren Patterson, President & CEO of the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF), echoes the sentiment, “We believe in the Vigil’s impact and this year’s hashtag of #FamiliesEmpowerRecovery.” The NCCF’s commitment to the event aligns seamlessly with their Community Behavioral Health Fund, initiated to bolster access to care and dismantle stigma surrounding mental health in the community.
Science underscores the premise of this year’s Vigil. Research featured in the Journal of Family Psychology stresses that a sense of belonging and connectedness to family can act as a buffer against relapse. It is in these scientific reverberations that the event finds validation, both as a commemoration and as a catalyst for change.
The community will come together for an evening of reflection, unity, and empowerment. Amidst the live music, testimonials, and candle-lighting ceremony led by local clergy, the Vigil will underscore the potential for familial bonds to serve as lifeboats in a tempestuous sea of addiction.
For those seeking more information about the 7th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil, visit ncparentsupportgroup.org/annual-addiction-awareness-vigil/ or email Paul Reinhardt at paul@ncparentsupportgroup.org. The Vigil stands as a testament to the notion that, together, families have the power to kindle the embers of recovery and spark change that resonates far beyond the serene streets of New Canaan.
The Vigil will take place Wednesday, August 30th at 7:00pm at 6 South Avenue, New Canaan. The rain date is September 5th.
