Norwich — It was back in March that area nonprofit and government leaders first floated the idea of creating a bereavement support group specifically for those who’ve lost loved ones to addiction.

Friends and relatives of overdose victims had just gathered in the city to create squares for the Remembrance Quilt, a statewide effort to memorialize those who have died because of substance abuse. Inevitably, the topic of grief came up.

Then, just a few weeks ago, the Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern CT brought in Dr. Kenneth J. Doka, a grief and loss specialist. He discussed in an evening lecture the guilt and blame that can be associated with losing someone to substance abuse.

“A lot of people are struggling with addiction in this area, and doing so with very limited resources,” said Angela Duhaime, coordinator of the city’s Partnership for Success Program.

State data show more than 900 people died of overdoses in Connecticut last year.

Like Doka, Duhaime cited the special circumstances that can surround grief after a loss — or multiple losses — to addiction.

With the need for a specialized support group apparent and the infrastructure for such a group in place, “We said, ‘Why not do it?’” Duhaime said.

On July 13, the first session of the group, called Grieving the Loss of a Loved One Due to Addiction, will take place at the Center for Hospice Care’s campus at 227 Dunham St. There’s no fee for the group, but those wishing to participate must pre-register by phone.

A partnership of the center and Norwich Youth & Family Services, under which Duhaime is employed, it will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is expected to occur once a month.

Duhaime, an experienced community educator who also works as an adjunct professor of psychology and a substance abuse counselor, will lead the group. She plans to, among other things, help participants build social support for one another and point them toward community resources they might find useful.

Duhaime said those who seek to gain a better understanding of addiction will have the chance to do so, too. She plans to tailor the sessions along the way in response to participants’ feedback.

“Groups can be uncomfortable for people, but in non-threatening way,” she said, explaining that no one should feel during a session as though they’re on the spot. “It’s always good to come and give it a try to see how it feels.”

Duhaime said she isn’t sure how many people will show up, but what she and others hear at the provider level suggests there’s a high level of need.

“I would expect people would want to come,” Duhaime said, “but you never know. It’s a difficult topic and situation.”

More than anything, she hopes attendees come away from the group with the understanding that they’re not alone in what they’re going through.

“When people see other people grieving, they feel that connection again,” Duhaime said. “It restores a little bit of purpose to life. It gives them the sense of hope that they can keep going forward.”

The Center for Hospice Care offers multiple bereavement programs that work directly with family members, including children, who are grieving a variety of losses.

Those wishing to register for the addiction-related group should call the center at (860) 848-5699.

l.boyle@theday.com