Letter to the Editor

Recovery month

Friday, September 17, 2010

Dear Editor,

This September, you can celebrate National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and help yourself or someone you know find recovery.

My name is Corey Brockway and I work with Region II Human Services as a Regional Consumer Specialist. I am in long term recovery from substance abuse. I want to let people know that long term recovery from substance abuse is possible!

An individual may be experiencing substance abuse issues when they begin to abuse the substance to hide from reality, use the substance to deal with stress or just need the substance to make it through the day. Other signs of substance abuse are troubles at work, relationships with friends are strained and the substance abuse is causing problems in the family.

If you are struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, you are not alone. Millions of people and their families suffer from the effects of substance use disorders. The good news is that there are also millions of people in long term recovery that want to help the person that is still suffering.

There are many avenues to recovery including professionally staffed counseling centers, traditional residential treatment centers (28-45 days), long term treatment centers that also have the ability to focus on addictions and mental health issues if needed, 12 step support groups and the faith based communities also have a passion to help struggling people.

For drug and alcohol information and treatment referrals, call a national hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. You are also welcome to email me at coreybrockway@r2hs.com or call me at (308) 345-2770 ext. 207 to talk with a person who understands.