September is National Recovery Month and hundreds of people in recovery will come together in Balboa Park to celebrate being drug-free.
Recovery Happens is an annual event sponsored by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency and its many prevention and treatment partners.
It will be held on the lawn near Presidents Way and Park Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. It is free and open to the public and will feature live music, games and resource tables.
The County and its partners organize the event to celebrate the accomplishments of those who are now in recovery and are leading a life free from alcohol and other drugs.
“Kicking an addiction is difficult but it can be done. That’s why it’s important to celebrate those who have been able to do it and are now living drug-free lives,” said Chairman Bill Horn, County Board of Supervisors.
During fiscal year 2013-2014, there were over 14,000 admissions into County-funded treatment programs. Of those, 1,416 were individuals under 18 years of age. For adults, the primary drug of choice was methamphetamine, followed by alcohol and heroin. By comparison, most youth were admitted into treatment for using marijuana/hashish, followed by alcohol and methamphetamine.
As part of Live Well San Diego, the County operates treatment centers throughout the region. The goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of all local residents.
“Live Well San Diego aims to improve the health of residents and communities across the region and that includes preventing alcohol and drug abuse,” said Health and Human Services Agency Director Nick Macchione. “Addiction does not simply affect the individual. It also affects children and families and entire communities.”
Typically, about one-third of people who enter treatment complete their program, one-third drop out, and one-third make some progress toward recovery.
People suffering from substance abuse problems due to alcohol or drugs are encouraged to seek help by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 or 2-1-1.
