It is certainly ironic that an organization with the word “anonymous” in its name remains relatively unknown to many of those who need help the most.

Memorial United Methodist Church in Coal Grove hopes to change that by recently starting a local chapter of Families Anonymous, a support group for relatives and loved ones of individuals who are battling all types of addiction including drugs, alcohol and gambling.

Everyone has heard of the more famous Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, but this lesser-known support group can be just as important.

Without question, families of addicts face many emotional challenges and are often put through situations they don’t understand or know how to handle. Loved ones can also inadvertently enable drug addicts and do things that actually drive them toward abuse.

This group can provide much-needed support and bring individuals facing similar trials together. The sessions will be 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

A very important step for both the addicts and those who care about them is to realize that they are not alone.

Help is out there but you have to know where to look. Now, one of those places is Memorial United Methodist Church in Coal Grove.