Reflections on recovery
September is National Recovery Awareness month
Stefanie Robinson
We are aware of the drug epidemic crippling our nation, our state and our county.
We are familiar with the painful images and stories of people overdosing and dying.
We are bombarded by horrific graphics and statistics of the reality of the disease of addiction.
It doesn’t feel like we have much to celebrate, but by emphasizing prevention and creating a stronger support network in the community, we help stem the tide of substance abuse and have reason to celebrate.
But there is another side of addiction that often gets missed, overlooked and minimized: Recovery! We can and do recover and that is reason for celebration.
Every September, we nationally celebrate Recovery Month. This September is no different, but this year we are lucky enough to do so in our very own community recovery center, which opened July 17 in Medina. Robby’s recovery center, is a place where we can go and see successful recovery every day of the month, and not just in September. Robby’s is led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. The mission of Robby’s is to mobilize resources within and outside of the recovery community to increase the prevalence and quality of long-term recovery from alcohol and another drug addiction. Public education, policy advocacy and peer-based recovery support services are the strategies through which this mission is achieved.
Recovery is nothing to fear and has a positive face and voice. It is beautiful. It is grounded in truth and in love. Recovery is a process not an event. Recovery is combating the stigma and shame associated with addiction. Recovery is work and more than anything recovery is action.
Robby’s is celebrating National Recovery Month with service. Robby’s is tackling seven service projects! Volunteers are picking up trash, helping beautify a local park, supported Kite Fest and DogFest and helped elderly neighbors with some home projects. Over 30 people are participating in these different service projects around Medina throughout the month of September.
Recovery is second, third and fourth chances at giving back. It’s groups of people recovering from a substance abuse disorder, maintaining their sobriety and rebuilding their families and communities. During National Recovery Month recovery is supporting other organizations and helping neighbors and neighborhoods in need. Recovery is simply showing up and serving others.
Medina should be proud. Proud of itself and proud of its recovery community and their commitment to giving back. September is the month we celebrate. We don’t need a party, gifts or a well-deserved pat on the back. Being able to serve others and give back is the greatest gift any of us could receive!
However, it does not need to be September for Robby’s to celebrate recovery since we celebrate it every day. Please find us on Facebook at Robby’s Recovery Center to see our weekly schedule of meetings and programming including: canine companions, Browns games, exercise classes, free dinner Saturdays, open mic nights and much more!
We are familiar with the painful images and stories of people overdosing and dying.
We are bombarded by horrific graphics and statistics of the reality of the disease of addiction.
It doesn’t feel like we have much to celebrate, but by emphasizing prevention and creating a stronger support network in the community, we help stem the tide of substance abuse and have reason to celebrate.
But there is another side of addiction that often gets missed, overlooked and minimized: Recovery! We can and do recover and that is reason for celebration.
Every September, we nationally celebrate Recovery Month. This September is no different, but this year we are lucky enough to do so in our very own community recovery center, which opened July 17 in Medina. Robby’s recovery center, is a place where we can go and see successful recovery every day of the month, and not just in September. Robby’s is led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. The mission of Robby’s is to mobilize resources within and outside of the recovery community to increase the prevalence and quality of long-term recovery from alcohol and another drug addiction. Public education, policy advocacy and peer-based recovery support services are the strategies through which this mission is achieved.
Recovery is nothing to fear and has a positive face and voice. It is beautiful. It is grounded in truth and in love. Recovery is a process not an event. Recovery is combating the stigma and shame associated with addiction. Recovery is work and more than anything recovery is action.
Robby’s is celebrating National Recovery Month with service. Robby’s is tackling seven service projects! Volunteers are picking up trash, helping beautify a local park, supported Kite Fest and DogFest and helped elderly neighbors with some home projects. Over 30 people are participating in these different service projects around Medina throughout the month of September.
Recovery is second, third and fourth chances at giving back. It’s groups of people recovering from a substance abuse disorder, maintaining their sobriety and rebuilding their families and communities. During National Recovery Month recovery is supporting other organizations and helping neighbors and neighborhoods in need. Recovery is simply showing up and serving others.
Medina should be proud. Proud of itself and proud of its recovery community and their commitment to giving back. September is the month we celebrate. We don’t need a party, gifts or a well-deserved pat on the back. Being able to serve others and give back is the greatest gift any of us could receive!
However, it does not need to be September for Robby’s to celebrate recovery since we celebrate it every day. Please find us on Facebook at Robby’s Recovery Center to see our weekly schedule of meetings and programming including: canine companions, Browns games, exercise classes, free dinner Saturdays, open mic nights and much more!