Whether from alcohol, gambling, drug, or other addictions, successful recovery is possible. September was National Recovery Month, which celebrates those that have successfully overcome addiction, or mental health issues, to improve their lives. It allows us the opportunity to share their message of hope with our community.
Mental illness and addiction pose challenges to people from all walks of life, in every socio-economic class. In the past, the public perceived addicts as heroin-shooting junkies or homeless alcoholics. This false perception is dangerous because it isolates these health concerns as something that can’t happen to you or your family.
Additionally, this perception creates a stigma that these issues stem from personal weakness or that they are a choice that can easily be avoided. Society has learned the flaws with these perceptions. Addiction can impact the straight-A student sneaking Adderall, the star quarterback abusing steroids, the doctor smug gling pills from work, or the patient that becomes dependent on painkillers that were needed after a medical procedure. These perceptions can make it harder for a person with an addiction to seek the treatment they require.
Nobody thinks they will become an addict. People, especially kids, can believe they are invincible to negative effects and that they can stop anytime. Not only is the individual harmed by addiction, but the community suffers as well. “Addiction affects the patient, their family, and everyone around them. We are taking part in Recovery Month by offering information about methadone treatment. I personally speak to the patients’ family members and the general public about how Methadone saves lives,” says Carmen Arlt, Director of Porter-Starke’s Recovery Center.
Porter-Starke Services’ Recovery Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 12:00pm for the next week for individuals who wish to learn more about it. While the road to recovery is long and difficult, those with addiction problems can overcome their disease with treatment. National Recovery Month lauds the bravery and effort people exhibit to put their lives back on track.
Recovery Rocks! was held this past Saturday at LaPorte County Fairgrounds. This family event featured games, live music and stories from people in recovery. A Hooked on Art Festival at Thomas Centennial Park helped to raise funds for scholarships to make treatment resources available to those in need. These events illustrate a community setting aside the flawed perceptions of the past and empowering people to recover.
Aaron Kochar is the Director of Prevention & Education Services at Porter-Starke Services. He is responsible for coordinating community and organizational prevention efforts. Porter-Starke Services is a not-for-profit community mental health center serving Northwest Indiana. The organization served over nearly 11,000 people last year.