Campaign Showcases the Power and Reality of Recovery

ALBANY, NY (09/11/2009)(readMedia)-- Marking the 20th anniversary of National Recovery Month and surrounded by supporters of New York's recovery movement, State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced the next 12 spotlight stories of the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com.

"These are the real stories of recovery-the young addicted mother who walks into treatment ready to make a new life for her unborn child; the adolescent boy who wants a better life without the drugs; and the veteran whose substance abuse will no longer prevent him from finding his true potential," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo.

The Your Story Matters campaign, now in its second year, encourages New Yorkers to share their stories of recovery in an effort to break the cycle of addiction, eliminate stigma and promote lives of sobriety and wellness. In addition to submitting their story on the interactive website, site visitors can read the stories and watch videos of the 12 new spotlight stories.

"Through these stories, we can reach the 2.5 million New Yorkers who are dealing with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction," Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said. "These are stories of hope, healing, honesty and courage. If you are in recovery or are the friend or family member of someone who is in recovery, share your story at www.iamrecovery.com, anonymously if you wish, to show the world that Recovery is Real."

The announcement of the spotlight stories came at the Pathways to Recovery Forum, as hundreds of recovery supporters met for discussion on the many unique pathways to recovery, with speakers representing treatment, mutual self-help groups, medication-assisted treatment, drug court, and faith-based pathways.

The event, at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, was held in advance of the national Recovery Rally at the Brooklyn Bridge on September 12, where Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo is to address an expected 10,000 recovery supporters.

The state's theme for Recovery Month 2009, Pathways to Recovery, is a celebration of the many unique ways individuals find and sustain long-term recovery.

"These individuals represent the future and the reality of the State's recovery movement-they are our hope, inspiration and proof that recovery is real, possible and happening every day in this great state," added Carpenter-Palumbo. "Through their stories of second chances, gratitude and potential, New Yorkers in recovery will see a day without stigma and a society that welcomes their achievements. They stand here to encourage all of you to share your story and inspire hope. Why? It matters."

The 2009-10 Your Story Matters campaign spotlight stories:

Jane Velez-Mitchell, HLN anchor: How human is the story of the successful journalist who finally gets real with herself and finds simplicity in sobriety and spirituality in honesty?

State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt of Buffalo: This politician gives new meaning to public service, offering his story of survival with the hopes of inspiring even one person to give recovery a try.

Amber Saccoccio of Kingston: After countless arrests and multiple overdoses, this 21-year-old found her strength again through a prison alternative program, medication-assisted treatment and some well-deserved self-acceptance.

Angel Lopez, of Queens: A poet and musician remained hidden in this adolescent until he found his chance for change and a better life without the criminal lifestyle and the dark games of the streets.

Pastor Angel Zapata of Brooklyn: Who would have thought that the angry addict who shunned his brother's attempts to convert him to Christianity, finally found the love of God is his brother's sober pleas?

Joan Hajjar of Brooklyn: Fifteen years of living a nightmare without escape, this Americorps director has enough gratitude to fill stadiums and enough humility to bring sunshine to those in need of guiding light.

Joyce Barrett of Syracuse: The kind-hearted woman who realized caring was the key to overcoming a problem gambling addiction, now realizes the value of patience and the worth in having a choice.

Juan Martinez of Manhattan: This Desert Storm veteran eradicated the twisted foe he had in addiction and found true camaraderie in a program specifically designed to help him meet his true potential, without the use of a drink or a drug.

LaQuanda Edgefield of Harlem: Never a better example of the second chances inherent in living a life of recovery, this young woman had to search deep inside her soul to offer her daughter a better life, and in turn, found her own happiness in the gift of motherhood.

Linda Mallory-Mitchell of Schenectady: Sister to an individual in recovery, this songstress found strength to support her family through the guidance of a recovery choir.

Monroe Wesley Parrott of Albany: The guy everybody knew as "Money" on the city streets recognized a calling and found his own healing in delivering the message of recovery behind prison walls.

Randy Hill of Buffalo: A man imprisoned by alcoholism for 31 years found his freedom through new insight and ancient culture.

Joined today at the Forum by five of the campaign's 12 spotlights, Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo took a moment to thank them for their courage, honesty and commitment to strengthening New York's recovery movement, presenting them with a silver recovery "badge of honor."

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can find help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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