Substance Use Loss Support Group

Emily’s Hope is offering a support group for adults who have lost someone close to them to substance use, fentanyl poisoning, or drug overdose. The group is meeting once a month.

The group is a safe and supportive space for members to share their feelings and experiences, and to receive comfort and support from others who have gone through similar losses. During the meetings, members may participate in activities such as group discussions, journaling, sound therapy, or guided meditation, all to help members process their grief and find ways to cope with their loss.

Losing someone close to you to substance use can be particularly difficult due to the stigma often surrounding addiction or even experimentation with drugs. It is common for people grieving these types of losses to feel isolated and misunderstood, as society often fails to recognize the complexity of addiction and the devastation it can cause.

At Emily’s Hope, members can share their feelings and experiences with others who have gone through similar losses, which can be incredibly comforting and help reduce feelings of isolation. It can be very healing to know that you are not alone in your grief and that others understand what you are going through.

The group also offers support and guidance for coping with the unique challenges of grieving a stigmatized death. This may include addressing feelings of shame or guilt, learning how to navigate social stigma, and finding ways to honor and remember the person who died in a way that feels meaningful and authentic.

The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one, regardless of their relationship to the person who died. 

The group is supported by the Sioux Empire United Way.

This support group is led by Angela Kennecke. Angela is a Certified Grief Educator who completed a certificate program designed by world-renowned grief expert, David Kessler.