Governor Proclaims Your Story Matters Day in New York State for Individuals in Recovery from Addiction

ALBANY, NY (05/04/2009)(readMedia)-- Surrounded by supporters of New York's recovery movement in the Well of the Legislative Office Building, State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today urged New Yorkers with stories of long-term recovery to share their experience and inspire hope to the 2.5 million New Yorkers who suffer from alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling addiction.

Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed May 4 as Your Story Matters Day, encouraging those in recovery, as well as family, friends and loved ones, to share their story to raise awareness and understanding about recovery.

"Addiction is a chronic disease that takes hard work and dedication to overcome," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Individuals in recovery, as well those close to them, have powerful stories to tell that they can be proud of. Their story may be the one that helps change the life of the one in seven New Yorkers who are dealing with alcohol-, drug- or gambling addiction."

Through the online Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the state supports a growing movement of recovery in New York, one that sheds stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness for the untold numbers of individuals in recovery. The stories submissions do not require any identification, other than a first name and last initial, in order to respect those who wish to remain anonymous.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo continued, "Each person has their own path of recovery and a story to tell. They have struggled and overcome challenges to continue their journey of recovery and should wear their recovery as a badge of honor, if they so choose."

Six of the 12 individuals in this year's campaign shared their story at the Well today. All 12 "spotlight stories" of recovery are showcased at the Your Story Matters exhibit at the Well on May 4 and 5 and can also be viewed at http://www.iamrecovery.com/.

Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, who has agreed to be one of the "spotlight stories" for next year, also shared his recovery story.

Assemblyman Sam Hoyt said, "I applaud Governor Paterson and OASAS for their commitment to raising awareness of the importance of recovery. As a means of eliminating the stigma associated with those in recovery, I share my story as an example to others in recovery that you should be proud of who you are today. If publicly speaking about my own recovery helps just one person, I know I have done the right thing. I have been sober for 19 years and thankful for the programs and people who have assisted in my recovery."

Senator Shirley Huntley recognized the Your Story Matters Day and the Your Story Matters individuals by presenting a resolution on the Senate floor. On the Assembly floor, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz introduced them to the members.

Senator Shirley Huntley said, "It is a great pleasure to be part of this special day celebrating the thousands of New Yorkers who are living stories of long-term recovery from alcoholism, drug abuse and problem gambling. Today individuals are sharing their stories to help raise awareness and understanding about recovery. They are spreading the word that recovery is about regaining life, reuniting with loved ones and living a healthy and productive life. I commend those who are sharing their stories to help inspire others. Every story matters as it shows the world that recovery is possible."

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz said, "I am proud of the work that New York has done for those who struggle with addiction. It is essential that we serve the needs of those affected by addiction and continue to use every avenue to support communities and vulnerable populations with prevention, treatment and recovery services. We know that treatment works and it is our responsibility to support individuals who are striving to live a happier, healthier, addiction-free life. By encouraging those in recovery to share their powerful stories, we are also helping to reduce stigma and offer hope to individuals who are dealing with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. Each story can change lives and even save lives."

"Spotlight stories" of recovery:

Kristina Sellers, Staten Island, "I didn't realize how serious recovery was until it became my reality. I live in recovery each day. I wake up and each day it makes me a stronger woman. Sharing my story with others keeps me motivated to stay clean and become the best I can be. Helping others that are going through the disease of addiction or are in recovery is something I cherish and I am very proud of. My road to recovery has inspired and pushed me to never give up on my dreams and goals and because of this I will keep on succeeding in life."

Vivian Velasquez, Brooklyn, "All things are possible, if you believe in yourself then you can achieve anything! You must believe, never lose hope. If one door closes, another one opens and never give up. Keep striving, stand tall and then you have to have the stamina to be an example, a success story that breaks the stigma that society has about addiction. We do recover, women do recover, we get our lives back."

Joyce Love, Albany, "Recovery is important because life is precious. I was wasting it, and thinking only about myself and not those who were a part of my life. Addiction destroys your whole existence; it's like walking around dead just too tired to lie down. It's full of pain, heartache and despair. I have been granted a gift, a chance to live two lifetimes in one. - Addiction/and now Recovery. I have been blessed to have my family in my life and a job helping those who need help just like I did. I thank God for all those who've helped me."

Eric Moore, Sr.,Queens, "My story matters because it gives hope to the hopeless, guidance to those who have gone in the wrong direction, and joy to those who persevere. Recovery is great, so tell your story. It matters."

Derrick Staley, Albany, "My story is gratifying and motivating. It brings and gives strength and hope to change people's lives."

Keith Stack, Albany, "I tell my story to remind myself of the gifts I have received from recovery, and also to let others know that recovery is real."

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 http://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 get help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour 7 days a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.