On this episode of Shoresides, host Nicholas Magrino explores the challenges and realities of substance use disorder in coastal North Carolina. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 10 to 12 percent of North Carolinians struggled with substance use disorder in 2022.
To better understand the journey of recovery, we speak with Megan Weber-Youssefi, Director of Development at The Healing Place of New Hanover County. The Healing Place offers a low-barrier recovery program providing detox services, long-term residential recovery, and overnight shelter beds—entirely free of charge.
Weber-Youssefi shares insights into the stigma surrounding addiction and homelessness, the role of peer-led recovery, and the changing landscape of substance use in the region. She explains that the most commonly abused substances in Wilmington are methamphetamine and alcohol, with fentanyl-laced meth contributing to overdose rates.
Despite the challenges, The Healing Place remains a beacon of hope, providing not just treatment, but community support, job training, and housing assistance to those working to rebuild their lives. Many program graduates go on to work at The Healing Place, helping others navigate the same struggles they once faced.
Tune in to hear how The Healing Place is transforming lives, one step at a time.
Learn more about Shoresides at Shoresides.org.
Supporting a friend struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) requires patience, compassion, and boundaries. Here are ten meaningful ways to help:
- Listen Without Judgment – Offer a safe space for them to share their feelings without criticism. Avoid shaming or blaming.
- Educate Yourself – Learn about substance use disorder, treatment options, and the challenges of recovery. Understanding addiction as a disease helps reduce stigma.
- Encourage Professional Help – Suggest they seek support from a counselor, support group, or treatment program. Offer to help research options or accompany them to an appointment.
- Set Healthy Boundaries – Support them while protecting your well-being. Avoid enabling behaviors like giving money or covering up for their actions.
- Be Patient – Recovery is a long process with setbacks. Let them know you’re there for them even when progress is slow.
- Offer Practical Support – Help with transportation to meetings, job searches, or childcare if needed. Small acts of kindness can remove barriers to recovery.
- Support Their Recovery Efforts – Celebrate milestones, encourage sober activities, and respect their commitment to staying clean.
- Help Reduce Stigma – Avoid negative labels like “addict” and instead use person-first language, such as “a person struggling with substance use disorder.”
- Encourage Connection – Suggest joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to build a strong recovery network.
- Take Care of Yourself – Supporting someone with SUD can be emotionally draining. Seek your own support and ensure you’re maintaining your own mental health.
