The rains cleared just in time, as enthusiastic participants dodged puddles and gathered at Riverside Park for the third annual Indian River County Recovery Works Celebration last Saturday, held in conjunction with National Recovery Day. Carrying Celebrate Recovery signs, supporters walked over the Barber Bridge and back, applauding all who have successfully overcome battles with drug and alcohol dependence.
“It’s not a fundraiser. This is simply to raise awareness and to give thanks for the hundreds of families put back together. Recovery is something that rebuilds families and puts people back to work. That’s what we’re all shooting for,” said Dave Cavell, coordinator of Substance Abuse Free Indian River (SAFIR).
SAFIR is a coalition of service providers, government agencies, educators, religious leaders, law enforcement, businesses and concerned citizens working together to reduce substance use in the county. The partnership was formed by the Substance Awareness Center, which works to combat substance abuse through Prevention Works initiatives such as Life Skills Training, taught at the middle school level. The organization also provides counseling and adult transitional living through its Recovery Works programs, as well as drug and alcohol testing.
“This disease touches every single family at some point, somewhere,” added Cavell. “They need to know that recovery is possible; it’s not hopeless. It’s an equal opportunity disease. It affects every social stratum across the board; it doesn’t care who you are or how big your wallet is.”
Calling it one of the best-kept secrets about Indian River County he said people would be surprised to learn how many in the community are actually in recovery. However, there are still millions more across the country currently suffering from substance abuse, addiction, and other mental health disorders. By raising awareness, the hope is that individuals will overcome their perceived fears or embarrassment and realize that help is available.