Jumpline magazine April 2024 - Flipbook - Page 15
Fred De Frias
Phoenix Group
The Phoenix Group of Local 1403
•
Accountability - Regular meetings can help you stay focused on your recovery. Meetings are also a great opportunity
to share any progress or setbacks you’ve encountered in the process.
Alcohol
and
drug addiction
are serious issues that have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. The misuse
and abuse of alcohol and drugs can lead to a
wide range of physical, mental, and social problems.
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a
chronic disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, and
withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Alcohol
abuse can lead to liver damage, heart disease,
brain damage, and an increased risk of accidents
and injuries. Long-term alcohol abuse can also
lead to mental health issues such as depression
and anxiety.
Drug addiction, on the other hand, involves the
compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences. Drug addiction can affect the brain’s
chemistry and lead to changes in behavior, judgment, and decision-making. The use of drugs like
opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine can have
serious health consequences, including overdose,
organ damage, and infectious diseases.
•
We are more likely
to speak with one
another about how
things are “going”
in our lives, versus
speaking with a
mental health
professional, and
that is why the
Phoenix Group
exists.
Both alcohol and drug addiction can have a profound impact on relationships, employment, and overall quality
of life. The 昀椀re service is at a disadvantage in that the stressors
of the job, both physiological and social, predispose us for the
development of drug and/or alcohol abuse.
At the same time, the social bonds we form in the 昀椀re service
becomes a protective factor. We are more likely to speak with
one another about how things are “going” in our lives, versus
speaking with a mental health professional. And that is why the
Phoenix Group exists.
In our group some of the components you will 昀椀nd include:
•
15
Peer Support - Interaction with your peers can help
you feel less isolated and more motivated to make positive changes. Our 昀椀re昀椀ghter community can provide you
with a sense of belonging as all members know the obstacles that come with maintaining sobriety and can also
speak to the bene昀椀ts of a life of recovery.
Education - Our group can provide you
with resources and information about addiction,
recovery, and coping strategies. This knowledge
can empower and mobilize individuals to make
informed decisions about their recovery and develop effective strategies for managing their addiction.
•
Encouragement - Being part of the
Phoenix Group can provide you with the inspiration and motivation necessary to stay committed
to your recovery. Hearing success stories from
other members in the group can instill hope and a
sense of optimism for the future.
•
Coping Skills - Our group can teach
members practical skills and strategies for dealing with cravings, triggers, and stress. These
skills can help individuals better manage their addiction and prevent relapse.
Our meetings create a supportive and
empowering environment where individuals can
connect with others, learn new skills, and receive
encouragement on their journey to recovery.
Prevention is key.
You do not have to wait until things get bad before you get the
help you need. If you have any questions on the work that we
do or would like to speak to any of the members about their
recovery, send an email to phoenixgroup@local1403.org or
connect with us on Facebook @PhoenixGroupFire昀椀ghters.
We meet every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 38
Curtiss Parkway, Miami Springs, FL. 33166.
All discussions are con昀椀dential. The group is open to all 昀椀re昀椀ghters, not just MDFR.
If you or someone you know in the 昀椀re service is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse issues, please contact us.
phoenixgroup@local1403.org
April 2024 | JUMPLINE Magazine