COAL GROVE — Ask addicts who are truthful about their problem and they will tell you, their family suffered with them. Perhaps the family suffered in different ways, but the family suffered with the addiction all the same.

To this end, Memorial United Methodist Church in Coal Grove is starting a local chapter of Families Anonymous. The sessions will be 8 p.m. Wednesdays beginning with this week.

“We see, just in the lives of families in our church, how people are affected when a family member is addicted to anything, drugs, alcohol,” Pastor Brad Jenkins explained. “An addiction can take its toll on the family.”

Part of the National Organization of Families Anonymous, the purpose is to offer support at a time when a family may need it most.

Jenkins said families suffering with any kind of addiction, be it gambling, drinking or drugs, are welcome to attend.