BrightView offering services for addiction treatment patients burdened by holiday events

TOLEDO, Ohio — Holidays, birthdays and large events can all be tough to manage due to the expectations that come with them, but add addiction treatment into the mix and it becomes tougher.

"If you're also struggling with a substance abuse disorder, that's going to impact it a thousand different ways because now you have to function in sobriety, maintain those skills as well as still navigating family, still navigating parties," said Anne Adkins, clinical supervisor for BrightView's Toledo addiction treatment center.

Adkins said reaching out to a sponsor and attending meetings are good ways to stay on track with your treatment when you're feeling weak.

"It's having good conversation with family too so that they know what's going on so you can reach out and say, 'This is a struggle for me. Can you help me?'"

BrightView is a substance abuse disorder clinic that offers programming from clinical counseling to group sessions to case management.

Kari Council, a peer recovery supporter, facilitates groups that talk about coping skills and keeping your mind occupied from specific triggers.

"We are willing to flex on a dime," Council said. "We will adjust our schedules to meet your needs as they come. And we have different staff to meet all those needs. We have the clinical aspect, we have the peer recovery supporter who is someone with lived experience that can relate to them on different levels."

With Lucas County being one of 23 counties in Ohio that make up 80% of overdose deaths, Adkins says having awareness and opening up more to group talks can be a good start to fix that narrative.

"There is still this pervasive idea that it's a moral failing, but we know that it's a disease triggered in the brain," Adkins explained. "Having open, honest conversation, having the ability for people to go talk to somebody about what's going on are going to be those huge first steps."

Council expressed that you don't have to be alone this holiday season. There is help out there, you just need to take the first step to make a change.

BrightView accepts walk-ins daily. They also have a 24/7 call center at 833-510-4357.

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