Swampscott and Marblehead’s Departments of Public Health are hosting another six-week virtual series, “Focused on Recovery.”

The departments are hosting their second free virtual community education series to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen community responses to substance use and disorders. The sessions are facilitated by Marblehead Police Department Co-responder Gina Rabbitt and Michelle Simons, who is a program support specialist for the Swampscott Health Department as well as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

“The first session, which was held in February, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants,” the Swampscott Police Department posted.

Substance use disorders are complex conditions that come from the uncontrolled use of a substance despite the harmful consequences. When substance use becomes compulsive, which can sometimes be called an addiction, it can impair daily functioning. While regular drinking may become a habit, a substance use disorder is more compulsive.

The series will run every other Thursday from June 4 to July 30. Sessions will explore topics related to addiction and recovery, including pathways to recovery and available support resources. 

To learn more and sign up, contact Rabbitt at rabbittg@marbleheadma.gov or Simons at michellesimons24@gmail.com.