Loss

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Zeiders said. “I attended the group in Harrisburg. It was well worth the drive for me, but I feel this group is needed in our area. Losing someone to addiction is one of the most traumatic tragedies which, no doubt, has been preceded by weeks, months even years of heart-breaking turmoil. I want to share my experience, offer compassion and support to others grieving the loss of their loved one. I want people to know they are not alone. So, in the fall of 2022, I reached out to the GRASP headquarters and was given permission to start the Central PA chapter.”

The local chapter is just getting started, but in time, Zeiders hopes the network will grow and reach as many as possible.

“This group is for those who have lost someone they love to a substance-related death,” she said. “Whether its alcohol, street drugs or prescriptions. My goal is to provide a safe non-judgmental space so that people grieving the loss of a loved one may share their feelings, their experiences, their support for each other and their love for those who have passed away. Being able to share your grief in all its forms with others in similar circumstances can provide comfort, lighten the burden, and help the healing process.”

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is always difficult, but sharing similar feelings resulting from the circumstances can help the healing process.

“We are a community of those who have lost a loved one to addiction and we understand,” Zeiders said. “We understand the isolation, the stigma, the special kind of pain that accompanies this loss. We are here. We are walking the same path. Take our hand and we will walk together.”

Central Pennsylvania GRASP is a chapter of the GRASP organization, an international non-profit with over 100 face-to-face peer-led support groups across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The local chapter meets on the second Monday of every month from 7-9 p.m. at the CPYM Sausman Center, 12339 William Penn Hwy. in Thompsontown. There is no charge to attend but pre-registration is required.

Zeiders is available by phone or email to communicate with people who are grieving a substance passing and need support. For more information or to pre-register, contact Shannon Zeiders at (717) 953-6810, cpagrasp@yahoo.com, or visit www. grasphelp.org