Submitted by Georgeana M. Cook

Lopez Island Prevention Coalition Executive Coordinator

It is a myth that those with substance use disorders need to “hit bottom.” Addiction is not about the absence of pain. It’s not about how low a person has to go or how badly they have to feel before they can get well. Addiction is about the absence of hope. September is National Recovery Month. The purpose of recovery month is to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders, celebrate the millions of Americans who are living in recovery and to tell as many people as possible there is HOPE.

While we are barraged with images and stories of the desperation of mental health and substance use disorders, Recovery Month provides an opportunity to add, “And Yet!”

“And yet,” there are more than 21 million people in recovery from substance abuse disorders. “And yet,” there are many who will begin their recovery journey today. “And yet,” there are new interventions and medications with the potential to help even more people enter recovery in the future. “And yet,” people in recovery are leaders in religious organizations, businesses and political movements. “And yet,” people in recovery have shown they have found the power to end the cycles of violence and poverty in their family systems. “And yet …”

While mental and substance use disorders know no boundaries, it is essential our community works together as one voice to help our family, friends, neighbors, classmates and co-workers who are in need of services or are living their lives in recovery to know that there is help, hope and support.

Earlier this year several town hall meetings were held. Discussions, brainstorming and data collection were part of the strategies used to begin developing a working plan to address drugs in our community.

Helping and supporting those seeking and maintaining recovery was identified as a critical part of this community plan. For those interested in working directly with the recovery aspect of the plan, there will be a meeting on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the prevention coalition office. For those desiring an email reminder about the meeting, contact Georgeana Cook at lopez.prevention@gmail.com.