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SOLACE of the Valley formed
People in Trumbull and Mahoning counties who have family and friends addicted to drugs and alcohol, many of whom have died, are coming out of the closet and meeting the heartache and stigma of addiction head on.
Out of their desire to provide a public forum to fight for themselves and their loved ones who battle addiction was born SOLACE — Surviving Our Loss and Continuing Every Day — of the Valley.
The group’s slogan is “Drug Fix 330,” with the 330 representing the Mahoning Valley’s area code.
SOLACE, unlike 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, endeavors to eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease and raise awareness.
Linda Spies of Cortland founded Trumbull County SOLACE. She had organized Families Anonymous, a 12-step program at Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic in Youngstown, several years ago.
SOLACE of the Valley was formed via a recent merger of the Trumbull County SOLACE Chapter, which was in its infancy, and a Mahoning County woman who wanted to keep alive the memory of her son who died after a 14-year battle with heroin addiction.
Anna Howells, owner of Something New Florist in Canfield, said she felt helpless during her son Dennis’ heroin illness. She has refused, however, to let his memory fade away in vain and sought to help others who are experiencing the same pain.
“Often we hear people say things like ‘My Johnny or my Sally might smoke a little pot but he or she would never take a pill or use a needle. That kid is just a rotten apple. There must be something wrong with the parents,’” Howells said.
She said she knew something had to change, but she didn’t know where to start. Then she heard about SOLACE and Spies.
“I said, ‘Why don’t we just merge?’” said Spies, when they met.
“We want to bring awareness and education about the disease of addiction so there is no stigma and shame,” said Spies, whose son, Max, is a recovering addict.
Howells and Spies are executive directors of SOLACE of the Valley.
“Our approach is a little more out there,” said Eric Ungaro, president of the local SOLACE, who said he lost two uncles and a brother to addiction.
“It’s our responsibility to publicly talk about addiction,” said Ungaro, a special-education teacher and varsity football coach at Howland schools and son of Patrick J. Ungaro, Liberty Township administrator and former Youngstown mayor.
SOLACE of the Valley is sponsoring a free screening of the documentary, “The Anonymous People,” at 6 p.m. March 24 at Leo’s Ristorante, 7042 E. Market St., Howland. To register and for information, email ckclarkkc@aol.com.