Meet the Hosts and Learn the Impact of our Magnolia FAST© Virtual Family Meeting Series

Supportive resources, like family, friends, and mentors, are essential to a person’s recovery journey. However, loved ones who care for someone struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) also need support and education. It is important that people who care for someone with an addiction understand that their well-being is just as important and that it is okay to seek resources for their own self-care. Spectrum Health Systems and Spectrum’s subsidiary, the New England Recovery Center is collaborating with Magnolia Recovery Resources to offer a free virtual family support group series. It’s intended for family members, caregivers and those caring for someone with an SUD. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the hosts of the series, Maureen Cavanagh, President and Founder of Magnolia New Beginnings, and our Vice President of Clinical Services, Lisa Blanchard, to discuss the impact of the program. The virtual series came into being when Maureen was sharing her story and her work as a guest on Spectrum’s Airing Addiction podcast. Lisa was interested to hear about her approach to family support. Maureen notes, “family education has been done in many ways, but what was missing was family perspective.”

Commitment

We understand that no one recovery journey is the same and every journey can be challenging for so many people, leaving a lasting impact on families and close friends. Our collaboration with Magnolia Recovery Resources offers families, caregivers, and friends a chance to gain knowledge, make connections and find inspiration to navigate this challenging journey.

“We’re changing the way we do family meetings. It is so important. I am thrilled that Spectrum took this series on,” said Cavanagh. “Spectrum is leading the way by continuing to evolve to help not only clients, but their entire family and support system. I am proud to be a part of the process.”

Magnolia FAST© Virtual Meeting Series

Meeting themes focus on post-withdrawal syndrome, medication education, trauma education, practical holiday safety, and boundaries. Both Cavanagh and Blanchard are dedicated to educating families, friends, and anyone caring for someone with a substance use disorder. The meetings highlight the importance of connecting and sharing your story.

“People are learning things they never knew before,” say Cavanagh and Blanchard.

“Clarification and connection are the main goals,” said Blanchard. “Family meetings create a space of support for the entire family and support system. We know that when the family unit is healthy, clients do better and have a better recovery environment.”

“Anyone who cares for or knows someone with an SUD should join us,” said Cavanagh. “This is a broad idea of family. It’s really for anyone who wants to better support a loved one, a friend, or themselves.”

Upcoming sessions include:

· Feb 9 – Holding Space versus Tough Love: Help learn ways to create a safe place while upholding loving boundaries

· Feb 16 – Healthy Boundaries: Discuss ways to create and support boundaries to care for your loved one and yourself

· Feb. 23 – Co-Dependency & Overreliance: Understand how to provide support without excessive reliance for both you and your loved one To join the virtual meetings, please email magnolia@spectrumhealthsystems.org for the Zoom link.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or other drug addiction, call Spectrum Health Systems today at 1-877-MyRehab.