We have seen a spike a substance abuse across the country in recent years. Brandon Lowe, owner/therapist of Knew Era Consulting, wants to do his part to curb this alarming trend.

Every Saturday through the month of October, Knew Era will provide free substance abuse counseling at the Enterprise Center, 1922 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., in the second floor conference room, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. This is the second year this has been designated in the month of October and it is an observance to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health and to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse.

Lowe attempted to try this same event last year, but did not have enough time to promote the event, so he did not get the outcome he was looking for.

“I just felt like we needed something to do for the community, since we are a part of the community,” Lowe said. “We want to see people in the community get help.”

Tosha Lowe, Brandon’s wife, added, “When there is a need out there for people who don’t have insurance, or their co-pays are too high, they can’t afford the treatment they need. Sometimes people want to change or do better, but they don’t have the resources to do so. So, we wanted to make sure they can get their feet wet by offering free classes out here to let them know they are not alone.”

Lowe said he could no longer sit back and watch while the issue of substance abuse continued to plague the Triad community.

“Right now, it’s a serious drug issue going on in the Triad,” he said. “Like I say, treatment depends on whether you have insurance, or you don’t. If you don’t have insurance, you may find yourself going to a nonprofit organization, where you see individuals that you may not feel like relate to you.”

Along with his professional knowledge, Lowe also has a counselor there who has been through substance abuse recovery as well.

“Relatability in this field is huge, and the quality of services as well. That’s why with this program I have on Saturday, who is teaching classes that has been in recovery as well. So, it’s not just a professional therapist, I have someone who has been through recovery as well.”

Lowe stated the group sessions will not only focus on substance abuse, but also mental health.

“You can’t really treat substance abuse without addressing some mental health issues as well,” he said.

The Saturday sessions will be group sessions, but Lowe says they will accommodate their prospective clients as the numbers dictate. Refreshments will also be provided.

As an African American male, Lowe knows that the subject of mental health is somewhat taboo in the community. He said he just wants to spark the conversation to enable those in need to seek help and he hopes a familiar face will lower their guard.