The Courier-Herald: How to manage the holiday season with alcoholism and addiction
The holiday season, though filled with joy and celebration, can also be a hard time for many—including those who are in recovery or struggling with a substance use disorder and their families.
In light of this, I want to share an article I came across this week in The Courier-Herald: How to manage the holiday season with alcoholism and addiction, I hope some of you will find it helpful. Here is a short excerpt:
In Washington, 14% of adults over age 18 say they have an alcohol use disorder, while 8% report illicit drug dependence or abuse, according to Overlake Medical Center and Clinics.
Dr. Juan Antonio Avila, medical director of psychiatry services at Overlake, provides measures to create healthier and more successful holidays for everyone.
“One of the first things we work on with addiction is changing the environment,” said Avila. “For people with the disease, this includes avoiding locations they associate with using. During the holidays, they might be invited to a party at the family home where they lived when they started abusing substances during their youth.”
Avila said the well-meaning gesture of holding gatherings could pose the potential for relapse. Avila finds importance in being open and honest. Families planning gatherings can ask loved ones living with addiction whether it would be better to hold an event without alcohol. On the other hand, people living with addiction can also initiate the discussion.
Continue reading at The Courier-Herald.
Residents of unincorporated King County are invited to take a brief survey about your satisfaction with your cable provider and your TV viewing interests.
The King County Office of Cable Communications (OCC) is considering renewing TV franchise contracts with WAVE Broadband (now Astound Broadband) and Comcast Cable for an additional 10 years. Your answers will help them determine future cable-related needs and interests of our community that includes the best content packages and fair pricing.
Find more information and fill out the survey here.
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Battle of the Badges - Friday, December 9, 6 PM - 8 PM at the Renton Community Center
The Renton Police Department presents a drive-through holiday light display, competition, and coat drive. New Coats will be collected to benefit local youth in need.
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Downtown Renton Santa House - Saturday, December 10 & 17, 1 PM - 4 PM at the Renton Civic Theater
Free photos with Santa! Bring your children and four-legged friends to capture holiday moments with Santa. Photos can be downloaded for free on the event Facebook page. Prints will be available for purchase for a suggested donation.
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Black Diamond Hometown Christmas - Saturday, December 10, 10 AM - 3 PM at the Black Diamond Museum
Free fun for the whole family! Activities include a treasure hunt, visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more.
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The 2022 Jerry Woods Holiday Engine - Starting December 2 in Maple Valley, Kent, and Covington
Santa will be visiting neighborhoods this year in the Maple Valley, Kent, and Covington areas to collect food and donations for the Maple Valley Food Bank. Check the routes page to determine if your neighborhood is on the list of those to be visited, and if so, when.
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Snowflake Lane - Nightly through December 23 at 7 PM in downtown Bellevue
Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. Gather on the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets. Free parking available in nearby garages.
If you would like to have your event featured in an upcoming newsletter, please contact Jon Cantalini at jon.cantalini@kingcounty.gov.
 Help Me Grow King County Grants
The Help Me Grow King County strategy is designed to support families and their children by connecting them to what they need, when and how they need it.
This RFP is seeking to partner with groups and organizations:
- that are rooted in the communities they serve;
- that share culture and language with the families and communities they serve;
- that hold strong relationships with the families and communities they serve; and
- that implement family and community informed programs providing pregnant women and people, parents and caregivers warm connections to services.
Applications are due Thursday, December 15, at 2 PM.
Find more information at the Best Starts for Kids blog.
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Services Available for Nonprofits
King County and our partners can provide technical assistance and capacity building to community-based organizations and nonprofits receiving federal COVID-19 funding.
Find more information at King County's Department of Equity and Social Justice website.
King County Child Care Financial Assistance Program
Eligible families may receive financial assistance to pay for their child care at eligible providers.
Find more information at the Child Care Resources website.
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