by Ben Keylor | Jan 27, 2025 | Journey to Healing
Northstar Recovery Center is excited to announce the launch of a new support group designed for individuals who have undergone a liver transplant, are awaiting one, or are living with liver disease. Hope & Healing: Liver Transplant Support Group is a safe, welcoming space where people can connect, share experiences, and find support through the challenges of liver health.
Join Us for the Next Meeting
Meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month from 6:00-7:30pm at our West Springfield location.
If you are unable to make it in person, you may attend virtually via Zoom. Whether you’re navigating life after a liver transplant, awaiting one, or managing liver disease, you’ll find a community of individuals who truly understand the unique journey of living with these conditions.
Each month, we’ll come together to discuss a variety of topics related to liver health, recovery, and the emotional aspects of the journey. These topics include:
- Emotional Support: Share personal experiences, challenges, and victories related to liver disease and transplantation. It’s a place to talk openly about fears, hopes, and everything in between.
- Practical Advice: Learn tips and strategies for managing medications, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes after a transplant.
- Medical Updates: Stay informed about the latest research, treatment options, and advancements in liver care.
- Relationship Dynamics: Discover how liver disease affects relationships with family, friends, and employers—and how to navigate those changes.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: Get insights into the physical and emotional recovery process after transplant surgery, including helpful tips for a smoother transition.
- Nutrition and Wellness: Access expert advice on healthy eating, meal planning, and managing medication side effects that impact nutrition and wellness.
- Managing Fears and Anxiety: Learn coping mechanisms to handle anxiety, depression, and PTSD related to liver disease and the transplant experience.
- Advocacy and Resources: Gain important information on patient rights, insurance coverage, and local resources available to support individuals with liver disease.
Who Should Attend?
This group is open to:
- Individuals who have undergone a liver transplant
- Those awaiting a liver transplant
- Family members and caregivers of individuals with liver disease
- Healthcare professionals looking to better support patients with liver disease
Our Goals for the Group
The Hope & Healing group aims to:
- Create a supportive community where individuals affected by liver disease can connect and share their experiences.
- Improve understanding and management of liver disease through shared knowledge.
- Foster friendships and empowerment through education and advocacy.
- Provide emotional support and practical tools for navigating life with liver disease or after a liver transplant.
Ready to Join Us?
We invite you to be part of this new community of support. Whether you attend in person or via Zoom, we are here to offer a safe, compassionate environment where everyone’s journey is respected and supported.
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Northstar Recovery Center or call (888) 927-4097. We look forward to seeing you there!
by Ben Keylor | Jan 7, 2025 | Journey to Healing, Recovery, Therapies
When someone is in treatment for addiction, their world metaphorically stops. Outside responsibilities like work and other time commitments are rightly paused so they can focus on getting well and learning tools to stay sober.
But the world around them doesn’t stop—especially in the lives of their family members. These people are often the ones who pick up the slack while their loved ones are away; caring for children, paying bills, keeping up the house, and continuing to show up for work, to name a few. The stress of this burden is amplified by the trauma they’ve experienced during their relative’s active alcohol use disorder or drug addiction.
Supporting a loved one in addiction treatment can be an incredibly isolating experience. While juggling the demands of day-to-day life, family members often feel overlooked as their loved one receives praise and admiration for seeking help. Amid this, they may grapple with feelings of confusion, hurt, and a profound sense of being lost, leaving them alone with the emotional weight of the situation.
Recovery is a Team Effort
At Northstar, we understand that no one can beat an addiction alone, and that the family is the cornerstone of successful recovery. We involve partners, spouses, and loved ones in their family member’s treatment plans and progress. And, as of November 2024, we have launched our Family Support Groups for both our Southborough, MA and West Springfield, MA locations.
Family meetings are held on Mondays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, and are led by trained clinicians and addiction recovery professionals. Any adult with a loved one who is a current or former client of Northstar may attend.
“As I support my husband’s sobriety journey, Northstar’s family support group has become a haven for me of support, resources, and community. I leave each meeting empowered to take care of myself, and in doing so, better caring for my loved ones.” — Bethany, wife of Northstar alumni
Why Attend Northstar Family Groups?
Our Family Support Groups offer loved ones a healing environment to share their experience with others who have walked in the same shoes. You will gain a support network and have a direct connection with your family member’s recovery.
- Grow Together. Share messages of hope, speak to your personal experiences, and identify with others’ in an inclusive, non-judgmental community.
- Learn Recovery. Our Family Support Group gives members the tools to support recovery, avoid enabling, and spot early signs of a relapse. Hear from clinicians and guest speakers, and take an active role in your loved one’s journey to lasting sobriety.
- Get Resources. Take home actionable advice, resources, and discussion topics to help you between meetings.
- Get Support & Support Others: We encourage attendees to keep in touch with one another outside of meetings, so that everyone has a stable support network of people they can relate to.
West Springfield family meetings take place the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Southborough family meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month. You may join in-person or virtually from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.
We Can’t Wait to Welcome You!
For more information about Northstar Family Support Groups, or to let us know you plan to attend, contact us by phone (888-311-0911) or email (info@northstarrecoverycenter.com). You may also download our flyer by clicking the link below!
Northstar Family Support Group Flyer
by Ben Keylor | Dec 30, 2024 | Addiction Recovery, Addiction Treatment, Therapies
Addiction and alcohol recovery is a journey often marked by profound personal challenges, growth, and transformation. One of the cornerstones of this journey is gaining the courage to open up and speak in group settings. For many, this can feel like an insurmountable hurdle, especially for those who have historically turned to substances to navigate social anxiety or mask feelings of inadequacy. Yet, the act of sharing in a group is not just an exercise in vulnerability; it’s a critical component of the healing process. Here’s why.
Overcoming Fear and Social Anxiety
For countless individuals struggling with addiction, substances became a tool to manage social anxiety—a way to silence the inner critic or numb the fear of judgment. In recovery, confronting these anxieties head-on by speaking in group settings can feel overwhelming. However, group meetings provide a safe and supportive space to gradually rebuild confidence.
By sharing your thoughts and experiences, you begin to challenge the deep-seated fears of rejection or inadequacy. Each small step taken to speak up fosters personal growth and helps dismantle the false belief that you need substances to navigate social situations.
A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved
The old adage “a problem shared is a problem halved” holds particular weight in recovery. Addiction thrives in isolation, where shame and secrecy can fester. Speaking openly about your struggles in a group setting lightens the emotional load and allows others to provide perspective, empathy, and understanding.
Group members often discover that their experiences aren’t unique—others in the room have walked similar paths, faced similar demons, and overcome similar obstacles. This shared understanding fosters connection and reminds participants that they are not alone in their journey.
The Benefits of Sharing Your Story
Sharing your story in group therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or other recovery meetings is more than just cathartic—it’s transformative. When you articulate your journey, you not only process your own experiences but also contribute to the healing of others. Here are some key benefits:
- Building Authentic Connections: Sharing openly fosters genuine relationships built on trust and mutual support.
- Developing Self-Awareness: Speaking about your experiences helps clarify your thoughts, identify patterns, and gain deeper insight into your behaviors.
- Inspiring Others: Your story, no matter how messy or imperfect, may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to find hope and strength.
- Practicing Vulnerability: Opening up in a group setting builds emotional resilience and demonstrates that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
The Role of Group Therapy and Meetings
Programs like AA and other recovery groups are structured around the principle of collective healing. The shared stories, mutual accountability, and collective wisdom of the group create an environment where members feel seen and supported.
In these spaces, individuals often discover that their voices matter. They learn that by speaking up, they not only heal themselves but also contribute to the recovery community. This mutual exchange of stories and insights can create profound shifts in perspective and foster a sense of belonging that is vital for long-term sobriety.
Tips for Speaking in Group Settings
For those new to group meetings, the thought of speaking can be daunting. Here are some tips to help ease the process:
- Start Small: Begin by introducing yourself or sharing a brief thought. You don’t need to dive into deep or painful topics right away.
- Remember You’re in a Judgment-Free Zone: Everyone in the room has faced their own struggles and understands the courage it takes to speak.
- Focus on Authenticity: Speak from the heart and be honest. There’s no right or wrong way to share your story.
- Listen Actively: Hearing others’ stories can inspire you and provide a sense of direction for your own sharing.
Speaking in a group setting is not just about overcoming fears or checking a box in the recovery process; it’s about reclaiming your voice and your sense of self. It’s about breaking the chains of isolation and connecting with others on a deeply human level. While the first step may feel intimidating, the rewards are immeasurable—for you and for those who have the privilege of hearing your story. Remember, recovery is not a solitary journey, and every word you share brings you closer to healing, connection, and lasting change.
If you or a loved one needs help, you’ll feel at home at Northstar Recovery Center, where your voice truly matters. Give us a call at (888) 927-4097 or contact us today.
