September is National Recovery Month
BREWER — According to the Attorney General’s Office, at least 250 people have died from drug overdoses this year. However, there is hope and resources for those struggling with a substance use disorder.
It’s easy to focus on the number of overdoses or resources being poured out in an effort to stop the opioid crisis.
September is National Recovery Month, which reminds people recovery is possible.
“People who develop substance use disorders often develop shame associated with it,” said the Bangor Area Recovery Network’s executive director, Bruce Campbell. “Stigma is what society places upon people who have substance abuse disorders. Recovery overcomes both.”
At the BARN, they believe everyone’s road to recovery looks different.
Campbell shared some of his own story with us
“My recovery began a long time ago, but at the time I was living in a school bus and was trying to figure out how I could convince myself it was an alternate lifestyle, but it’s really the best I could do.”
Tuesday night, the Brewer City Council will be acknowledging National Recovery Month and Bangor’s council is expected to do the same.
“The community is not responsible for any individuals recovery,” Campbell said. “But once someone starts down that pathway, the community needs to support that process.”
With community support especially in areas such as jobs or housing, recovery becomes even more of a possibility.
“In my recovery, I’ve been able to go back to school, go back to graduate school, get a graduate degree, raise a family, own a home, have a 30 year career, and none of that would’ve been possible without my recovery.”
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