The goal of Recovery Day is to “celebrate, educate, advocate and support recovery from all addictions,” says event co-ordinator Krista Black.
“We want to reduce the stigma around addiction so people can feel more comfortable getting the help they need and stepping out to do what’s necessary to get better,” said Black.
The sixth annual Recovery Day was held in Red Deer’s City Hall Park on Saturday.
Dozens spoke about how addictions have affected them, their families and friends during the event.
Support for Recovery Day has grown over its six years, Black noted.
“People are becoming more willing to live out loud in recovery, say they’re in recovery and share their stories of hope, so other people can know there is hope.
“It’s great to hear the hope and see that people do recover and become productive members of our society and become well again.”
Even though community support has grown, there is still a stigma around addiction, Black said, adding it’s difficult to understand what people suffering from addiction go through on a daily basis.
“If you’ve never been through addiction and come out the other side of it, you’ll never fully know. … A message to those people (who don’t understand the challenges people with addictions face), is to have some compassion and know it’s not hopeless. It’s never hopeless until it’s too late.
“Recovery saves lives, heals families and strengthens communities.”
When asked about the need for a safe drug consumption site in the community, Black said, “as long as people have an opportunity to get well, that’s the most important thing.”
“If they need to come to a realization that they almost ended their life, maybe that’s what somebody needs to see where they are and decide they don’t want to do it anymore.
“Having those services available and … somebody there to help them along the way to find their path to wellness is important.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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