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WESTMINSTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) – A new program has just launched in Westminster that specializes in treating frontline workers for substance abuse.
Medical and mental health professionals working in the healthcare sector have experienced a tremendous amount of stress and trauma over the past two years. Oftentimes, these individuals struggle to address their own mental health from working in an incredibly taxing field.
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“There’s a lot of stigma, especially when you’re a caregiver, to actually need to reach out and need that help yourself,” said Cat Stevens, CEO of Recovery Centers of America in Westminster.
Now, there is a new substance use program being offered specifically to healthcare workers dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Stevens said the program works on prioritizing one’s self-care, while being able to put one first and identify proper coping skills.
“It focuses in on vicarious trauma, dealing with that grief and high stress that we’ve experienced as professionals, and that relationship to substance use,” she said.
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The program also offers continued support when individuals leave the group.
WBZ’s Sheri Small (@SheriSmallNews) has more:
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