Maine Walks for Recovery event set in Augusta

Mainers affected by substance abuse or addiction may want to participate in the second annual Maine Walks for Recovery celebration in Augusta on Saturday.

The event coincides with similar public awareness campaigns across the country, reflecting a growing trend to bring the traditionally hushed-up issues of substance abuse, treatment and recovery out of the shadows and into the light of day.

Pat Taylor, executive director of Faces and Voices of Recovery, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., said in a recent phone interview that support for the new openness is growing nationwide.

“There is a tremendous amount going on in communities all over the country,” she said. “People are speaking up about what recovery has meant for them.”

In Maine, where funding for treatment is at a standstill as the problem of addiction grows, it’s essential to show policymakers and the general public that treatment works, according to Debbie Dettor, coordinator of the Maine Alliance for Addiction Recovery and the principal organizer of Saturday’s event.

Dettor said that in states where citizens from all segments of society have stepped forward to identify themselves as former drug users and addicts, public policies and attitudes have become more supportive of treatment and recovery initiatives.

Not only that, but a visible and supportive network of recovery advocates can help destigmatize addiction and encourage other people who are struggling to get their lives back on track.

“There are two sides to the addiction story,” Dettor said. “Not only do drugs and alcohol kill, but recovery saves lives.”

While activities at the Recovery Walk will include live music, refreshments and prizes, participants can expect a certain amount of speechifying as well.

Maine’s two congressmen, U.S. Reps. Michael Michaud and Tom Allen, will be recognized for their support of federal recovery initiatives. Kim Johnson, director of the Maine Office of Substance Abuse, will be on hand as well.

According to Johnson, some states are enacting “get tough” laws that criminalize addiction and send the message that treatment doesn’t work.

“If people in recovery don’t speak out, then they and their family members will be even more stigmatized,” she said recently. “If people don’t talk about the disease of addiction, it will remain shameful.”

The second annual Maine Walks for Recovery celebration will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Capitol Park in Augusta, across from the state house.

For more information, contact Debbie Dettor at 458-4366.