With every New Year comes a crop of New Year’s resolutions: taking charge of our fitness, our finances (you know the drill). For many of us this means reflecting on the role of alcohol and other substances in our lives.  We know that socializing is a critical part of one’s health and wellbeing – and in the LGBT community, which has historically revolved around bars and nightclubs, the idea of attempting this kind of change can be daunting. So where do you begin, if you’ve decided that you’d like to reduce or eliminate the use of substances in your own life? 

Mazzoni Center's 'Open Door' counseling program hosts two weekly Recovery Support Groups, designed for LGBTQ individuals who are looking for support with their recovery efforts. One group meets on Mondays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and one meets Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; both meetings are held in our dedicated first floor space at the William Way Community Center on 1315 Spruce Street. 

Rand Faulkner, LCSW, is a three-year veteran of our Open Door counseling team.  Rand facilitates Mazzoni Center’s two weekly support groups.  He says the group aspect, which provides members with an ongoing source of support and encouragement, is a key to the success of someone’s recovery efforts.  

“Isolation and recovery do not mix well,” Rand explains. In the support group environment, participants have the opportunity to learn from others and gain critical insights into their own patterns of use by listening to the stories and experiences of others.  

“These groups can provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential space where people know they’re not alone in their recovery efforts,” he says.

Unlike a 12-step program, Mazzoni Center’s recovery support groups do not adhere to a strict abstinence model. “Many of our members find that abstinence from all substances works best for them,” Rand says.  “However, each person is free to develop their own personal recovery.”

In addition to flexibility, he says the social aspect differentiates these groups as well. “Most people find there is more interaction and peer support that takes place within these groups, as compared to an AA or NA program, where the social interaction tends to take place outside of meetings,” Rand says.

Mazzoni Center’s groups also include what he calls “a psychoeducation component” – meaning that the discussion covers more than just substance use.  “We share about family, jobs, sex, spirituality…whatever people need to talk about to our groups,” Rand says.  “Most of our conversations are fairly open and directed by the participants.”

Both groups are open to any LGBTQ-identified person interested in learning more about recovery from alcohol and other drugs. The meetings are free and operate on a drop-in basis, so anyone can decide to show up on a given day to check it out for themselves.   (Our only rule is that you not be under the influence of any substances when you show up).

For more info. on recovery support groups at Mazzoni Center contact Rand at 215-563-0652 ext. 282 (or just show up sometime!)