Addiction's Awful Truth Program Addresses Far-Reaching Impact of Substance Abuse

  Grand Nation Kicks Off Six-Part Series February 20 in Vinita.

  Substance addiction doesn’t just affect the user. Its impact is widespread, affecting children, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, parents and even the whole community.

  Facing the impact of their behavior beyond themselves and understanding the consequences of their actions are important steps for those in recovery.

  Grand Nation is sponsoring Addiction's Awful Truth, a six-part series of programs that address the far-reaching impact of substance abuse.

  The program offers a unique perspective as speakers share their personal experiences dealing with the awful truth of addiction. Each month, two to four speakers will address a different aspect of substance abuse.

  Grand Nation’s Addiction's Awful Truth is based on the successful Rogers County program, which is hosted by Light of Hope, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office and His House Ministries.

  Both programs follow the model of a victim impact panel, which is a community-based meeting for victims/witnesses to describe the experiences they or loved ones have endured due to the actions of drunken drivers. Grand Nation’s Addiction's Awful Truth program addresses the impact of substance abuse.

  “Addiction's Awful Truth was started by Rogers County. The program is structured like a victim impact panel but with a substance-abuse focus,” said Jennifer Hinson, the executive director of Grand Nation. “This is a model that has proven to be worthwhile and effective. We thought it was such a good idea, we wanted to bring the program here to Craig County.”

  Grand Nation is a nonprofit grassroots coalition whose mission is to assist families seeking a better life. Addiction's Awful Truth is one of the many resources Grand Nation utilizes to help achieve its goal.

  Because the first program in the series in January had to be cancelled due to weather, Addiction's Awful Truth will kick off Tuesday, Feb. 20, with the topic meth and opiates. Each of the programs will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 226 West Canadian Ave., in Vinita.

  Additional programs will be held March 20, April 17, May 15 and June 19. Topics covered will include crime, children, children and families, bragging and resources.

  Beginning in July, the six-part series will repeat with programs being held on July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20 and December 18.

  “We want to provide different perspectives so we are looking for people who are willing to give their testimony,” Hinson said. “If you would like to volunteer to share your experience, please contact Grand Nation at (918) 276-2192.”

  Although not mandated by the court in Craig County at this time, the Addiction's Awful Truth program counts toward required court-ordered meetings. Those who participate in all six programs will receive a certificate of completion verifying their attendance.

  Addiction's Awful Truth is open to the public. Anyone who has been impacted in some way by substance addiction is encouraged to attend.

  For more information on Addiction's Awful Truth and Grand Nation, call (918) 276-2192, visit www.GrandNation.org or the Grand Nation, Inc. Facebook page.

  ABOUT GRAND NATION

  Grand Nation is a nonprofit grassroots coalition that has been serving the Grand Lake area since 2012. An umbrella organization for a number of different programs, Grand Nation joins families seeking a better life with the resources and community organizations that can help them achieve their goal. Located at 120 E. Illinois, Suite 306, in Vinita, Grand Nation serves the communities of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, including Vinita, Grove, Jay, Afton, Ketchum, Langley, Miami, Bluejacket and Spavinaw. The phone number is (918) 276-2192.