For National Recovery from Addiction and Mental Illness Month, Pottsville Tide Task Force and the Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Program teamed up with other local and widespread programs to educate and reach out to the masses September 26th at Martz Hall. From five to eight, around 40 tables were set up filling the top of the hall that people could walk up to and gain information on certain aspects of addictions and where to get help in different ways like financially or with mending relationships.

At seven, five speakers containing those from the Center of Excellence program, a victim of overdose and his EMS father, a medical director for Drug and Alcohol Services, and a recovered addict from Skook Recovers hosted a panel in the middle of the floor to share their stories as well as answer any audience member’s questions and those from a questions box which was set up at the door.

The speakers, helpers, providers, and groups present all have the same goal to educate those victim to addiction and/or illness, those who know someone that needs help, and the ones not personally touched by it at all as well as lend help to those in desperate need. The realities of the true nature of deadly habits were shone upon.

“Drug addiction will never give, it only takes,” said recovered drug abuser James Harris. What seems to be small and harmless can quickly escalate to narrow-minded obsessions and lost connections with the world.

“We need to talk about addiction as a disease…and it is treatable…Drugs hijack our brain system and actually change how we perceive reality,” said medical director for Drug and Alcohol Services, Doctor John Stefovic.

There was a singular understanding present that night that being ignorant only hurts more people. EMS Darrel Harris showed pride in his son even after everything that happened between them. Being selfless yet still caring for yourself by letting others in who have only good intentions is of utmost importance when dealing with these serious matters. As said and displayed at the program, there is never enough education and advertisement for the treatment of drug related issues. The family support groups, recovery service providers as well as support groups, the offices in Schuylkill county, plus more continue their jobs outside of these inspiring, educational programs as soon as they step out into the community.

Some people need a push or someone to relate to in order to start helping themselves get better or help another with a better understanding. A point made at the program was that it is about all the people affected and touched by addiction not just the addicts. Underlying illnesses also need to be taken into consideration in order to provide long term treatment and success. Those normally overlooked now have the spotlight on them and the assistance they need. The represented organizations were and will always be open to anyone who needs any type of help and support.