Your Story Matters Campaign Spotlights Welcome a New Year with the Gift of Recovery

ALBANY, NY (12/27/2010)(readMedia)-- OASAS Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today urged New Yorkers in recovery to share the best gift of the season with those who are struggling with drugs, alcohol or problem gambling: the hope and reality of life in recovery this new year.

"There is no better time than during this holiday season as the New Year approaches than to offer the hope of recovery from the drug, alcohol or gambling addictions that impact one out of every seven New Yorkers," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "Time and time again, we hear about the struggles of addiction. But the message of Recovery is one of hope and promise and it is happening every day. Through the stories of the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, New Yorkers can know that there is light at the end of the tunnel of addiction. The stories of these individuals are our hope, inspiration and proof that recovery is real, possible and happening every day."

Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign, now in its third year, OASAS is fostering a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness. In addition to the hundreds of anonymous stories of recovery on the Website, each year 12 individual spotlight stories share their triumph over addiction. As part of their celebration of the gift of recovery, several of this year's spotlights shared their hope for a healthy New Year in Recovery:

Izetta Briggs-Bolling, recovery date January 20, 1993, from Monticello said, "This season gives us the opportunity to stop and acknowledge how grateful we are for the 'Recovery Process.' Each year my family comes together to celebrate what we have. During the holidays, I take time to express to my staff at the Recovery Center how thankful I am for the work and the help they provide for those our care. January brings me full circle in evaluating myself and setting goals that I would like to accomplish personally, professionally and spiritually throughout the coming year. The recovery process has taught me to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

David McDaniels, recovery date November 4, 1996, from Brooklyn said, "As we move past the holidays and into the New Year, many of us think of new beginnings. Recovery gives us a chance to experience a rebirth of the spirit. So if you are trying to decide what to do, just know that your higher power offers you a precious gift this holiday, choices. Choose to live your life without drugs and embrace the gift of recovery. Embrace the opportunity to be reborn. Have a safe, happy, clean holiday."

David Scales, recovery date August 18, 2007, from Manhattan said, "This holiday will be my fourth in recovery. My "give back" gift to others this Christmas is being a volunteer mentor at the Brooklyn Treatment Court. There I share my knowledge and experience of what it means to be in recovery with veterans who are having problems in their lives due to drug and alcohol use. As a veteran in recovery, I feel privileged and honored to share with other veterans what recovery can mean to them and their families and friends as well. Perhaps this small role I plan can bring some measure of hope and help back into the lives of veterans who once served this country proudly. I am not alone in this endeavor, there are many people in recovery ready and willing to help anyone seeking to make a change in their lives."

Gregory Pereira, recovery date May 23, 1995, from the Bronx said, "It is my experience that Recovery Works!!! I have been clean since May 23, 1995. But I have a question for you, why walk around with pain when help is readily available? Recovery offers a safe place to share your pain and equally your hopes and joys. Please remember that during the holiday season, plan ahead and keep your support close."

Deborah Arch-Bennett, recovery date December 5, 2004, from the Shinnecock Reservation, Montauk, said, "Recovery has helped me to look at my behaviors rather than on the drugs. I used; period and it was because I want my reality. Now recovery helps me live in the present and feel!"

Will Cleeton-Gandino, recovery date November 24, 2009, of Pittsford, "Grace is what I don't deserve, but I get anyway."

Lesa Densmore, recovery date March 2, 2009, of Windsor, "Superhero's are not brave. It is people like you and me who are brave-everyday people knowing we could easily be defeated, but still continue forward with the courage and serenity of knowing and accepting that we could fall. But no matter how deep that could be, we know that what really matters is how we can and will bounce back. I wish strength, courage, bravery and serenity to all in the New Year and always.

"By carrying the messages recovery, these stories can reach the 2.5 million New Yorkers still living each day with drug, alcohol or gambling addiction. If you are in recovery or are the friend or family member of someone in recovery, I encourage you to share your story at iamrecovery.com, anonymously if you wish, to help spread this message of hope," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo.

To get help for someone in need 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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