LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When addiction strikes, it often impacts whole families, including the person dealing with the substance abuse.

In May 2021, we introduced a Scott County family who lost their son to an opioid overdose.

What You Need To Know

  • A Kentucky couple is restarting support groups called "Parents of Addicted Loved Ones"

  • Addiction creates more stress, more havoc and heartache for families

  • In May 2021, we introduced a Scott County family who lost their son to an opioid overdose.

  • Before the pandemic, several parents of addicted loved ones met regularly, but COVID-19 shuttered their efforts

Now, that Kentucky couple is restarting support groups called “Parents of Addicted Loved Ones.”

Gene Butcher wants each empty seat filled in the room at Southeast Christian Church.

“The usage of drugs in this country is…. we’re not winning that war,” Butcher said.

He said addiction creates more stress, more havoc and heartache for families.

“Because once a family member starts using a drug, it’s not just that family member that’s affected. It’s the whole family, and it’s not just the immediate family. It spreads out through the entire family,” Butcher said.

It’s one of the main reasons why he facilitates a support group for parents and grandparents.

“We have, thank goodness, places in Kentucky and United States that will help our addicted loved ones but we don’t have or we haven’t had in the past,” Butcher said. “Some place where families can go to get help.” 

Before the pandemic, several parents of addicted loved ones met regularly, but COVID-19 shuttered their efforts. So since October, he’s hosted support groups in Scott and Jefferson counties.

“To get here to a PAL group, you’ve got to get rid of the stigma and the shame that kind of fell on you when your child was dealing with this problem,” Butcher said.

Butcher understands the emotions that come with addiction. He lost his son Matthew through addiction on Memorial Day 2020.

“When you realize that you’re in a community or you’re in a facility or you’re in with friends that have gone through the same thing. You’re a lot more comfortable,” Butcher said.

There are several “Parents of Addicted Loved Ones” support groups in Louisville and other parts of the state.

PAL Meetings in Louisville:

Southeast Christian Church
Every Tuesday
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Okalona Christian Church
Every Thursday
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

St. John Paul II Parish
Every Sunday
3:00 p.m.  to 4:30 p.m.

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