SITKA, Dec. 16, 2011 — The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)Gunaanastí Bill Brady Healing Center hosts two free, weekly support groups for people in Sitka who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse.

The Yei éek kwa néix (“You are going to get well”) support groups meet from 5:30-7 p.m. on Monday and Friday at the Gunaanastí Bill Brady Healing Center office, 1204 Seward Ave. (in the second house on the right past the SEARHC Daycare). The groups are open to everyone and are peer-supported meetings. Residents from other Southeast Alaska communities sometimes participate through Polycom videoconferencing technology.

The Monday group focuses on recovery from substance abuse. It combines the teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel and the traditions of 12-step programs. Members of this group use the book “The Red Road to Wellbriety,” from the Native health program White Bison, along with a variety of DVDs. To learn more about Wellbriety and Whtite Bison, go tohttps://www.whitebison.org/. This group is facilitated by Robert Hoffmann, CDC I.

The Friday group is a process group focusing on emotional well-being and stress management. It gives group members an opportunity to explore a wide variety of recovery-related topics based on the needs of the group at each meeting. This is a place to explore ways to process emotional experiences, practice lifestyle changes and learn to manage stress. This group is appropriate for any stage of recovery, as well as for those who are affected by the substance abuse of a loved one. This group is facilitated by Bev Rivard, LCSW.

“This is a culturally based setting where you will find genuine respect, acceptance and support in your personal search for hope and healing on the wonderful road of Wellbriety,”Gunaanastí Bill Brady Healing Center Program Manager Stewart Pook said. “It is a place where you can share your personal struggles and triumphs in recovery.”

For more information about the two support groups, call the Gunaanastí Bill Brady Healing Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 966-8360.