LISTEN
GUIDE
SUPPORT
Facing Worries and Hopes Together
You are not alone. Many, many people in America know and love someone who uses substances. The Families Strong WV program brings together small groups of people who are just like you—with the same worries, issues, setbacks, and hopes—to share, learn, heal, and devise a path forward.
Nearly half of Americans have a family member or close friend who has experienced addiction.
PEW RESEARCH
One American dies every 19 minutes from opioid overdose.
FACING ADDICTION IN AMERICA: THE SURGEON GENERAL’S REPORT ON ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND HEALTH
A child raised by someone with an alcohol use disorder is four times more likely to experience addiction than their peers.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS
Nearly 21 million Americans struggle with substance addictions
FACING ADDICTION IN AMERICA: THE SURGEON GENERAL’S REPORT ON ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND HEALTH
West Virginia has the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the country…double the number of car accident fatalities.
DEA INTELLIGENCE REPORT
Who We Are
Families Strong WV is a free, 8-week support group designed to strengthen West Virginians who have loved ones—whether family members or friends—who uses substances.
The program is developed and guided by Mosaic Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm. Our goals are to improve health, wellness, and overall quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.
The Families Strong WV program is offered through financial support from the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Behavbioral Health.
Join an Upcoming Group
Fighting substance use issues with strong families.
#wearelistening
Join our free, 8-week support group for the families and friends of individuals who are using substances. It is designed to help reduce the negative effects of substance use issues on West Virginia families. This program is free because of grants from our sponsor.
Each group is private and limited to 10 members or less. Our groups meet online or in-person for up to 1.5 hours each week. During group meetings participants share experiences, receive tools to cope, and obtain resources to help themselves and their loved ones.
We understand what it’s like to have a family member or friend with a substance use problem, and we are here to help.
What To Expect
Judgment-free support
An integral part of our support groups is that every participant must feel safe and comfortable enough to share. That is why we specifically created our curriculum to allow sharing without judgment. At Families Strong WV, we listen, share, and learn with each other.
Resources and tools
Our program uses evidence-based tools and techniques and provides you with resources that will help you and your loved ones. Our meetings include guided activities with discussions so that every member can participate, process, and understand each tool we provide.
Small, private groups of peers
Each group is private and limited to 10 members or less. Membership does not change over the course of the group. You’ll get to know your group members for the entire eight weeks. We find that this will help you build relationships with your group members.
Help moving forward
You are not alone. Many, many people in the United States know and love someone with a substance use issue. Families Strong WV provides resources and tools to be used in real life. Together, we can help you determine what your next steps should be for today and tomorrow.
Helpful Info You Can Use Right Now
Words Matter When It Comes to Substance Use
Using terms like “addict” and “drug abuser” can unfairly stigmatize those with substance use disorder.
Don’t Go Through This Alone
Leaning on others and tapping available resources can make all the difference when supporting a loved one dealing with substance use disorder.
How to Initiate a Recovery Conversation
Opening a dialog with a person struggling with substance use can be challenging—but it’s less intimidating if you plan the conversation.
What Our Participants Say
Meet Our Group Leaders
The Families Strong WV team is comprised of the behavioral health specialists and management consultants of the Mosaic Group and trained Peer Group Leaders. This team structure allows us to develop the most demonstrably effective program possible for the communities we serve.
All of our leaders are trained and guided by the Mosaic Group’s team of experts to provide you with a comfortable and safe setting, information and tools, and a compassionate ear. Click through below to learn more about our group leaders—and feel free to reach out to find out more.
Frederick H. Strieder, PhD, MSSA, LCSW-C
Fred served as the director of programs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and University of Maryland Baltimore. He has provided and designed extensive training services for families who have experienced trauma. "Being part of the group as a leader together we share the pain and struggle of families and the compassion and strength to support each other in making changes that benefits the entire family."
Dawn M. Brown, MS
I am a family member and friend to people in recovery and understand firsthand how damaging substance use can be to a relationship. I enjoy facilitating groups because I can see the change in participants. Families Strong is a valuable resource that I am honored to be a part of. I’m also a member of the Mosaic Group team and have led numerous Families Strong groups.
M. Aisling Martin, MSSW
I know what it's like to love someone who is dealing with addiction. Learning tools to cope has been essential for me. I've led numerous Families Strong groups and am also a member of the Mosaic Group team. Leading groups gives me the opportunity to share the evidence-based strategies that have helped me, my relationships, and quality of life.
Our Sponsor
The Families Strong WV program is free to West Virginians because of financial support from the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health.
