A local health services company will begin offering free weekly help Feb. 17 to those facing substance abuse or behavioral problems.

Alabaster’s Bradford Health Services will hold the free family support groups every Wednesday night from 7p.m.-8 p.m. at its office at 101 Aviators View Drive.

“We try to provide certain services free as a resource to our community,” said Lonnie Layton, community representative at Alabaster’s Bradford Health Services.

“We are a private business, but we want to give back to the community whenever we can,” he added.

The support groups will be tailored for those experiencing behavioral problems with a child or teen, anyone who has a family member with drug or alcohol problems and anyone who needs help making a decision on how to help a family member, according to Layton.

“It’s mostly for parents or relatives of anyone facing drug or emotional problems,” Layton said. “Because a lot of the signs of emotional problems and depression are the same as the signs of substance abuse.”

A licensed counselor will lead every group meeting, and Layton said he hoped the groups would reach many who are in need.

“Unfortunately, when it’s free, people think it’s not worth much,” Layton added. “But that’s not the case. Every group will be run by a licensed therapist.”

For more information about the groups, contact Layton at 621-4429.