United Way hosts addiction overview

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The United Way of Greater St. Joseph held a session on Thursday, covering the basics of addiction and tips for working with individuals with a substance use disorder.

Peer Support Specialists reviewed strategies for working with individuals facing substance use disorders.

"It is a struggle, I think the boundaries are the hardest thing," Family Guidance Substance Abuse Counselor Eric Stone said. " When I first started working at Family Guidance, I had about 18 months in my own recovery, I knew a lot of the individuals that were coming in to services. Being able to set those boundaries was a struggle for me. What helped me was just taking suggestions and advice."

Narcan and fentanyl test strips were available on-site at the event; however, those in need of Narcan and substance abuse resources can get them for free at places like Family Guidance, the St. Joseph Health Department, Northwest Health Services and more.