OSWEGO – The Oswego County Legislature recently proclaimed September 2009 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month with a presentation to the Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene. All county residents are encouraged to embrace this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal.â€Â
In the United States, 23.2 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for substance use disorder in 2007, and 5.4 million adults also suffered from a concurrent mental illness.
“Education is essential to overcoming misconceptions and achieving long-term recovery,†said Oswego County Social Services Commissioner Frances Lanigan. “Treatment and recovery improve a community’s welfare, provide a renewed outlook on life for those who struggle with substance use disorders, and offer hope and encouragement to their families and friends.â€Â
Lanigan added, “The Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene works throughout the county to increase public awareness of addiction issues and recognize the achievements of those in recovery. Our dedicated local providers and county staff offer support to them as well as their families and reach out to those in need of support.â€Â
Several retailers of alcoholic beverages are supporting this effort in the cities of Fulton and Oswego by posting Recovery Month Awareness posters in their stores.
“Local drug and alcohol treatment agencies such as the County of Oswego Council of Alcoholism and Addictions and Farnham Family Services are also working to raise public awareness,†said Nicole Kolmsee, Director of Community Services, Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene. “They have planned family events in local parks to promote positive family activities.â€Â
If you or someone you know is impacted by addiction, there is help available. Several community organizations offer support services:
• Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene: 315/963-5361
• County of Oswego Council on Alcohol and Addictions (COCOAA): 315/342-2370
• Farnham Family Services: 315/342-4489
• Harbor Lights: 315/963-0777
• Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.org
• Al-Anon Family Groups: www.al-anon.org
• Alateen: www.alateen.org
For more information, contact the Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene at 315/963-5361, or visit the department’s Web site at http://www.oswegocounty.com/dss/mental.html.
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Every day is alcohol & drug recovery day for me since June 15,1996. It’s my greatest gift to have & share. My primary purpose is still to stay clean & sober & to help other alcoholics & addicts to achieve & hold on to the gift of sobriety. Before, I came into recovery, I didn’t have a life anymore. I merely existed & it was as if it was night all the time. I also have battled bi-polar disorder with major depression & organic brain syndrome from a closed head injury many years ago. But, in spite of these challenges, I’ve stayed clean & sober for over 13 yrs. Only 1 in 35 of us even makes it to 5 yrs. I’m a miracle & I’m grateful everyday. And I’m still active in the 12-step programs which saved my life. We gotta give it away in order to keep it. Prayers for all the alcoholics & addicts out there. As long as they’re breathing, there’s HOPE.
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