Research suggests that an alarming number of teenagers are experimenting with, or abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications. For teens, prescription and over-the-counter medications may have appeal for a number of reasons…

-They are easily accessible

-They are perceived as safe when compared to street drugs

-They are legal, doctor-prescribed medications

Commonly used medications that teens are using include: Prescription painkillers – Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin Prescription stimulants – Ritalin, Adderall Cold and cough medications – Robitussin, Coricidin Cough & Cold

Medication Drop-Off Sites
Dispose of unwanted or unused over the counter and prescription medications at the following drop box locations:

Ansonia Police Department
2 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT 06401

New Haven Police Department
1 Union Ave.,New Haven, CT 06519

Seymour Police Department
11 Franklin Street, Seymour, CT 06483

Shelton Police Department
1 Wheeler Street, Shelton, CT 06484

West Haven Police Department
200 Saw Mill Road,West Haven,CT 06516

Oxford Resident State Trooper’s Office
429 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT 06478

ALANON / ALATEEN
Contact information:
Connecticut answering service:
1-888-8AL-ANON (1-888-825-2666)
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

National website:
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/english.html

Connecticut website:
http://www.ct-al-anon.org/

NARANON
Contact information
Answering Service: 310-534-8188 or
1-800-477-6291
National website: http://www.nar-anon.org/Nar-Anon/About_Nar-Anon.html
CT website: http://www.naranonctma.org/

(Community Addiction and Recovery Education and Support) offers free, weekly support groups that provide ongoing education, support services, and treatment resources for parents, families, and community members addressing issues related to substance abuse and addiction. The collaboration between C.A.R.E.S. and committed communities addresses a critical need: providing a safe, confidential venue for parents and other concerned individuals who are struggling with a loved one’s substance abuse. The groups are valuable assets to the towns and cities that are experiencing the devastation of addiction, as they offer a reduction of stigma associated with the disease of addiction and give much-needed education, empowerment, and hope to those who attend. C.A.R.E.S. uses a peer-to-peer support model, which is proven to be one of the most effective and powerful means of promoting resilience among affected families.

C.A.R.E.S. weekly support groups are attended by parents and those whose loved ones, of any age, are using or abusing mind-altering substances. Each is a drop-in group that meets at convenient locations from 7 to 9 PM, with attendees joining whenever they can during the evening. Participants are welcome from the host town and all surrounding communities.

CHAPTERS ~
MON – Brookfield C.A.R.E.S. – Brookfield Senior Center – 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, CT

TUES – Trumbull C.A.R.E.S. – St George Orthodox Church – 5490 Main Street, Trumbull, CT

THURS – New Milford C.A.R.E.S. – First Congregational Church – 36 Main Street, New Milford, CT

THURS – Ridgefield C.A.R.E.S. – Insight Counseling Office – 103 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT

THURS – Shelton C.A.R.E.S. – Echo Hose Training Ctr. – 386 Howe Avenue, Shel

WED – Southbury/Oxford C.A.R.E.S. beginning JANUARY 10, 2018*
United Church of Christ, 283 Main St. North, Southbury, CT

For friends and family members whose loved one is struggling with substance addiction. Learn about addiction, share stories, make connections.
Held every Wednesday night from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Light dinner provided (no charge)
Held at Clifford Beers Clinic, 93 Edwards Street, New Haven CT
Register in advance by calling (203) 772-1270 ext. 1200

Woodbury/Bethlehem Parent Connection is a non-profit organization designed to educate and empower parents or caregivers who have kids (of any age) who are using or abusing drugs or alcohol. The goal is to provide hope and support in a confidential setting. Meetings are held from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm every Monday at:
Congregational Church, 11 Main St., Woodbury, CT
Contact Leslie Gomez (co-founder and facilitator) at (203) 266-0487 for more information.

Community support group dedicated to supporting families afflicted by the disease of addiction as well as raising awareness in the community. Crossroad’s mission is to unite the community and create new ways to combat the disease of addiction as it affects our youth. All concerned citizens are invited. Meetings are held from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm every Monday at:
Wolcott Youth Center, Todd Rd., Wolcott, CT Contact (203) 560-1665 for more information.

FREE education-based discussion support group for families and individuals impacted by Opioid use. This is NOT group therapy!
Held every Tuesday from 5:45 pm to 6:45 pm at Catholic Charities, 13 Wolcott St, Waterbury, CT
Contact Paul Brainerd at (860) 882-8674 for more information

NAMI Connection is a free, peer-based support group for individuals facing the challenges of living with any kind of mental illness. Individulas in recovery from mental illness have been trained by NAMI CT to facilitate each group. Each group meeting is focused on sharing experiences in a safe environment. A formal diagnosis is not mandatory to attend and attendance is confidential.

Seymour Meeting – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm every 1st and 3rd Monday
Shady Knoll Health Center, 41 Skokorat St., Seymour CT
Contact Jen at (203) 592-9843 for more information.

New Haven Meeting – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
Connecticut Mental Health Center
34 Park Street, New Haven, CT
Meets in Room 133
Parking is limited in front and back of building, Security guard can open gate to access parking in gated area.
Contact Ryan at (203) 285-3129 for more information.

Parent and Family groups designed to meet the needs of those with loved ones who are currently in treatment, are using alcohol or other substances in a problematic manner, or are in recovery. The purpose of the group is to provide a confidential, safe place to find support, education, and encouragement on their path to recovery. All who are 18 and over are welcome to attend.
Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at:
Turnbridge Clinical Services Building (Family Services) 2nd Floor, 201 Orange Street, New Haven, CT
Contact (551) 427-3340 for more information.

(Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) was founded to help provide sources of help, compassion and understanding for families or individuals who have had a loved one die as a result of substance use or addiction. Meetings are held the last Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at:
Beacon Falls Congregational Church
69 Wolfe Ave., Beacon Falls, CT
Contact Judy at (203) 231-6705 for more information.

The Tony Brown Foundation is a tribute to a life well lived and believe that even after loss you can lead a full, productive and passionate life. The mission of The Tony Brown Foundation is to inspire and support individuals to lead a fulfilled life after suffering a loss or death of a loved one. We have a vision that everyone can live a fulfilled life with purpose after suffering a loss through finding or creating their passion in this world.

Our meetings start at 6:45 pm and ends at 8:45pm Doors open at 6:30
There is no fee for attending!
The Helen Plumb Memorial Building,
571 White Plains Road, Trumbull CT.

The 40 Developmental Assets are building blocks for raising healthy children and youth. Since its creation in 1990, Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States.

Background —Grounded in extensive research in youth development, resiliency, and prevention, the Developmental Assets represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive.

The Power of Assets —Studies of more than 2.2 million young people in the United States consistently show that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors (see table below) and the more likely they are to thrive. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity. Furthermore, levels of assets are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty or being from a single-parent family.