Your Story Matters Campaign Showcases the Power and Reality of Recovery

NEW YORK, NY (09/24/2010)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today introduced the 12 New Yorkers whose stories of recovery from drug, alcohol or gambling addiction are featured in the third annual Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "We are proud to honor these 12 citizens who are role models of hope for the 2.5 million New Yorkers, as well as the untold number of families and friends, who are impacted by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. They are an inspiration to all who are dealing with the chronic disease of addiction."

"These are the real stories of recovery - from the young mother who realizes the value and beauty of life with her baby; the adolescent boy who discovered honesty with himself and his family; and the veteran who after more than 40 years of alcohol and drug abuse reunites with his children," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo.

The Your Story Matters campaign encourages New Yorkers to share their stories of recovery in an effort to break the cycle of addiction, eliminate stigma and promote a life of sobriety and wellness. In addition to submitting their story on the campaign website, visitors can read stories from others, including the 12 new spotlight individuals.

"Through these stories, we can reach the one in seven New Yorkers who are struggling with the perils of drug, alcohol or gambling addiction," Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said. "We need to let people know that there is hope and help available and it can begin with a single phone call to our toll-free Hopeline at 1-877-8HOPENY."

The state's theme for Recovery Month 2010, New York Celebrates Recovery, is in recognition of the many unique ways individuals find and sustain long-term recovery. The campaign spotlights were being introduced by the Commissioner Saturday, September 25, at the 3rd Annual NY Celebrates Recovery Rally at Randall's Island Park in New York City.

"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. "They have volunteered to come forward with their story to encourage all of you to share your story, anonymously if you wish, at www.iamrecovery.com."

The 2010-11Your Story Matters campaign spotlight individuals:

• Will Cleeton-Gambino of Pittsford: Just one year ago, this 15-year-old was stealing to support his drug habit. But through recovery, today he has found honesty with himself and his family. He has turned his life around and is working the steps of recovery and giving back what has been so freely given to him through community service.
• Rachel Leitem of Clinton Corners: A young mother who is stronger today because she has learned the value of her life through her recovery journey. She wants others who are still struggling with addiction to know there is a way out and a new life for them through recovery.
• Izetta Briggs-Bolling of Monticello: After incarceration in a state prison, she decided to fight back and with the help of a treatment program has found recovery. Since her recovery, Ms. Briggs-Bolling has accomplished more professionally than she ever dreamed she could and has established a strong bond with her family.
• Lesa Densmore of Windsor: Her addiction to gambling had spiraled out of control with no hope of stopping. Now, after getting the treatment help she needed, Ms. Densmore is rebuilding her life. She can breathe, laugh and hope again. She is proud to be one of the faces of recovery and wants to help reduce the stigma associated with compulsive gambling problems.
• David Scales of New York City: This Vietnam War veteran felt it was a miracle that after more than 40 years of using drugs and alcohol, he was able to choose recovery. He has been blessed ever since and is now reunited with his children. Finally, he is happy with his life.
• David McDaniels of Brooklyn: It seems that overnight he went from an innocent child to a drug-addicted recidivist criminal with 45 misdemeanor convictions. Reborn, he is committed to helping others who are addicted also find their way to recovery.
• Senator Tom Duane of Manhattan: He was able to hide his alcoholism from others for years, but one day decided he was sick and tired and needed to change. He has been addressing his alcoholism, co-dependency and other issues with the help and support of twelve-step groups. He feels there is plenty of grace to go around and has vowed to always do his best to help others work on their recovery.
• Nicollette Cuevas of East Meadow: Not able to deal with her feelings and emotions, this teen-ager used drugs at an early age just to cope. It wasn't long before her drug use was out of control and she ended up in the hospital due to an overdose. Now in recovery, she has never been happier in her life and is looking forward to a bright future.
• Deborah Arch-Bennett of the Shinnecock Reservation, Montauk: She was a 48-year-old self-described crackhead with nowhere to turn. After being arrested, she completely surrendered. Five years later in recovery, she is now a substance abuse counselor and has goals to help Native-American families heal from addiction.
• Gregory Pereira of the Bronx: Once nicknamed the "Night Owl" for his lifestyle as an addict and a dealer, he is grateful to be in recovery. He started his own business and provides training on gang awareness, alcohol and substance abuse prevention and HIV prevention.
• Andre Malik Rivera of Albany: This single father found recovery while in prison through a 12-step program. He now enjoys his role as a father and all the benefits recovery has to offer. He has chosen to learn and grow from his addiction and embraces new possibilities.
• Scott Wilkinson of Poughkeepsie: His addiction took him to places and caused him to do things he never would have done if it were not for drug use. Recovery has given him a second chance to have a happy life. He is working as a truck driver and running a small business.
  
  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.
  
  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. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.
  
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