National recovery month in Wayne

By DAVID HULSE
Posted 9/18/19

HONESDALE, PA — According to county data, 3,196 people used services provided by the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission (D&A) and the Wayne County Office of Behavioral and …

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National recovery month in Wayne

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HONESDALE, PA — According to county data, 3,196 people used services provided by the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission (D&A) and the Wayne County Office of Behavioral and Developmental Programs (OB&DP). With its estimated 2017 population of 51,205 persons, that equates to more than six percent of the population.
Speaking before the county commissioners at their annual recognition of Recovery Month on September 12, Wayne County D&A executive director Jeff Zerechak said that “like Christmas, Recovery Month is there to spread a message of hope, in that the first step in recovery is recognizing the problem.”

Several people testified candidly about their struggles with drugs and alcohol. Kelly, 27, said she has been an addict since the age of 11. “I was under the impression that you could get shots to get through it… Not.”

Commissioner Wendell Kay said intervention and prevention programs have made successes with elementary-aged kids and older users, “but not pre-teens. Was there something that could have led in a different direction?” he asked

Ashley said hanging with older kids and problems at home started her on the wrong path. She’s 23 and “clean for 10 months,” now. She said, “DARE is a good program, but the message is ‘don’t do it’ and it doesn’t show you the outcomes. I wish I would have seen heroin withdrawal,” she said.

Cassandra, 29, started with drugs at age 15, “I’ve been in jail, and drug court held me accountable and really helped me through.”

Ashley said “I never thought in a million years I’d be talking to the commissioners about drugs.”

Commissioners Chair Brian Smith said he found the statements “pretty powerful,” and helpful as “we find ourselves sticking up for these programs. They can turn people around to become valuable members of the community… There’s someone in just about all families suffering from some kind of addiction.”

Psych rehab program manager Bob Miller said the “Walk-In Center,” operated by OB&DP is holding an open house from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, at its 910 Church Street location.

Wayne County, recovery, addiction, drug addict, alcohol

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