Advocates Bring Message: Recovery Is Cool
by Barbara Mastriania
RENOVO – The Advocates for a Drug Free Tomorrow brought their message to Renovo last Wednesday evening, sponsoring a free movie about addiction and recovery at the Western Clinton County Recreation Authority (recreation center) followed by a panel discussion after the showing.
The message included statistics that show the extent of addiction to alcohol and drugs is vast, and it included the message that recovery from addiction “is cool.”
About 30 people attended the showing, many of them educators and community leaders. The number was less than the 50 organizers were hoping for, according to Denise Feger, chairperson for Advocates for a Drug Free Tomorrow.
The comments from people in attendance were encouraging and organizers are hoping for a larger turnout at a town hall meeting on May 20.
Startling information gleaned from the movie includes: two thirds of Americans are somehow affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Some 23.5 million people were in recovery as of 2012 when the movie was made. Eighty percent of the prison population is believed to be addiction related in some manner. And unlike most health issues, there is stigma and shame attached to alcoholism and less support for than other health issues.
For residents of Clinton County who are dealing with alcoholism or drug abuse there are recovery programs available, according to information presented at the meeting. There is limited availability however.
The Advocates for a Drug Free Tomorrow, a group of individuals, agency representatives, government leaders, social workers, religious leaders and people in recovery, have played an increasing role in creating a forum for education, a clearinghouse for information, and a supporting cast for those in recovery from addiction throughout Clinton County.
A discussion among audience members and a panel followed the movie. Among those on the panel were Betsy Dickey, principal of Bucktail High School/Renovo Area Elementary School, Clinton County Judge of the Court of Common Pleas Michael F. Salisbury, Clinton County Commissioner Joel Long and Advocates members.
Panel members said there are 10 people in the Recovery Program currently and that STEP provides transportation for people to get to the care needed. Program participants must reside in Clinton County.
The treatment program is “an opportunity to save your life,” Judge Salisbury said, an opportunity to come clean, to be sober.
A man on the panel who is in recovery said meetings are held in Renovo. He provided information for a meeting that was held last week.
“I truly believe we have great kids here. We have to do whatever we can to support them,” school principal Dickey said.
Denise Feger said prevention education programs for younger children are planned to raise awareness. She said the Advocates came to Renovo to create a dialog.
Commissioner Long said people can only succeed in recovery when they are ready to get sober. He is urging people to attend the May 20 meeting at the recreation center; everyone is welcome.
