Suffer from chronic pain? Need some support?

A new chapter of the American Chronic Pain Association will hold an organizational meeting next month.

“Chronic pain is a pain that never goes away,” said organizer Cindy Murphy. “If you have it, you know that often doctors and medicine can’t help. But you can learn to help yourself.”

Murphy said the ACPA can teach sufferers how to cope through small group meetings locally.

Her hopes are to facilitate smaller groups throughout the county, she said.

The ACPA offers peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, their families and friends and health care professional.

Murphy said small groups will use “Ten Steps: From Patient to Person.”

“Making the journey from patient to person takes time,” she said. “The isolation and fear that can overwhelm a person with chronic pain grows over time. And to return to a fuller, more rewarding life also takes time.”

The organization operates off of the 10-step program, which includes:

• Step one: Accept the pain.

• Step two: Get involved.

• Step three: Learn to Set Priorities.

• Step four: Set realistic goals.

• Step five: Know Your Basic Rights.

• Step six: Recognize your emotions.

• Step seven: Learn to relax.

• Step eight: Exercise.

• Step Nine: See the total picture.

• Step Ten: Reach out.

Those interested in learning more about the organization, can attend the meeting July 10, from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., at the Andalusia Adult Activity Center.

For more info, call 334-804-4742.