This powerful, personal story is a must-listen!   --    We are starting off the new year with a personal parent story and this one really moved Chrissie and Bethann–the first to bring tears into the conversation. Our friend and CTC Board President. Carl Gregory, joined us to share about his family’s journey with substance use disorder and the loss of his daughter. Carl talks about how he was once a person who felt “these things don’t happen to us” to someone who now speaks openly about his experience to support other parents and families. We discuss how a child’s peers and friend groups can make an impact, how substance use disorder is a disease and not a moral issue, and the importance of connection. Carl’s sense of equanimity during this conversation impacted Chrissie and Bethann in an unexpected way and we have a feeling you will feel the same. We are so grateful to Carl for sharing. Join us!   Things we mentioned in this episode:   Carl mentioned the 3 C’s from Alanon Find an Alanon meeting   We talked about the benefits of hearing other parents stories and how important peer parent support is. CTC is launching Parent to Parent Peer Support Groups. Learn more about these groups and when they meet!   Another resource is Parent Partnership group meetings coordinated by CTC partner Be A Part of the Conversation. Learn more about the Parent Partnership groups!  You can now follow Chrissie on Instagram @ctc_chrissie or on Facebook @Chrissie.CTC for info from each episode, Parent to Parent blog updates, and other parent resources. You can also email Chrissie at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!   Communities that Care has a Parent to Parent Blog and many online resources. Please follow us on socials for more tips, resources and support!: Instagram @downingtownctc  Facebook @DowningtownAreaCTC  Twitter @DowningtownCTC  YouTube LinkedIn Be sure to Subscribe/Follow us to get new episodes every other Monday.  Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.