Close to 10 years ago, as his family was trying to cope with a loved one who was struggling with addiction, Jonathan and his wife began attending Hope & Support meetings regularly. Jonathan was introduced to the meetings and to Ana Gopoian, TriCircle’s Founder & Executive Director, through two people, almost simultaneously. He attended TriCircle’s inaugural opening where Ana learned that Jonathan had over three decades of experience in the field of substance use/mental health. Without hesitation, she set about recruiting him to be on her committee and he accepted the challenge of establishing Clinical Services Advisory Board for TriCircle, a major component of its strategic plan.
Jonathan said, “Even though I had been in the business for so long, nothing had prepared me for the emotional turmoil of having a family member battling addiction.” He shared that working with the committee and his interactions with other parents and family members who were dealing with the same kind of challenges lessened the feelings of helplessness and isolation inherent in substance addiction within the family. He added, “Seeing the incredible courage and resilience of some of the people I encountered gave me hope, despite the painful losses some of them had endured.”
Jonathan aptly describes the challenges associated with loving someone who is using drugs. “Anyone who has been in a close relationship with someone who is addicted actually becomes ‘addicted’ to that person’s addiction. It occupies your mind relentlessly. No one can prepare you for the “gaslighting”- the questioning of your own perceptions because you want to believe that person, even though all the evidence points to their lies, and other symptoms of the disease. Being able to set appropriate boundaries: when to help and when to allow them to go through their process are all important milestones on the road to recovery.”
Being part of TriCircle’s growth and evolution has helped Jonathan interact with people who possess incredible resilience and commitment and who do not allow themselves to wallow in despair but try to do SOMETHING to make a difference, even when the rest of the world turns a blind eye or gives only an obligatory nod to this monstrous problem.
In his role as a clinician in the field, Jonathan helps his patients access appropriate, effective treatment. When asked what barriers exist, he reports that, “Sadly, it all comes down to money. Few families can afford good treatment for their loved ones, and insurance will generally pay only for a small part of it.”
While it is vitally important to constantly looking for newer, cutting-edge treatments to help those with this disease, Jonathan says, “There remains much wisdom still to be gained from what was done in years past. Those reaching out for help don’t just want the newest medication or app, they also want deep connection with others who care, who are willing to help them in a long but wondrous journey back to health. We are called to provide a safe place people can rely on, always filled with compassionate faces there to greet them.”
Jonathan has been in the field since 1979, he not only knows the history of substance use treatment, but he’s also part of its history! He is also a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist.
Currently Jonathan co-facilitates the Rocky Hill Hope After Loss Groups, and starting this month the newly released the Hope & Support and Hope After Loss Groups in Coventry. We are proud and honored to have Jonathan in our TriCircle family!