LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — This stressful and uncertain time can be difficult for people battling an addiction, especially when in-person contact is limited or banned. Having the proper support is life-changing for those in recovery, so it’s been a challenge for people in need at the Hope Center.
"Our recovery clients have been on lockdown and isolation within our building for several weeks now and although they’re doing well, this is a challenge for them,” Development Director Carrie Thayer said. “They don’t have the support of their families. They can’t go off on leave on the weekends and reconnect.”
The center found another way to connect. Seven laptops were donated by Quantrell Auto Group and Voices of Hope. They are spread out among the center’s different facilities. Small groups meet, while keeping their distance, and have a virtual Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting in place of the usual off-site session.
There are currently 350 men and women in the center’s six-to-nine-month intensive, residential recovery program. The online meetings allow them to stay on track.
"These virtual meetings are really helping them to sustain and to grow in their recovery,” said Thayer.
The laptops are also used for telehealth services, which helps people in the mental health programs and at the emergency shelter to make sure everyone can get the support they need during this time.
The Hope Center also has resources for anyone needing help. You can get to virtual meetings by clicking on the links below and following the instructions. They will list all 12-step meetings that are available to join while in progress:
· https://www.intherooms.com/public/register [intherooms.com]
· http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php [aa-intergroup.org]
· https://virtual-na.org/meetings/ [virtual-na.org]
· https://www.youtube.com/ and search for AA or NA speaker meetings
