Recovery celebrated at awards banquet

(CNS): The community affairs minister congratulated a group of 20 local people on the road to recovery from addiction at a special banquet recently. The individuals all received certificates honouring them for accomplishments in recovery from substance abuse, Friday (28 September) at the end of recovery month. “Thank you for believing in yourself and thank you for having the courage to take the first step on the road to recovery,” Mike Adam told the group who between them received rewards for Outstanding Contributions in the Community, Continued Dedication to Ongoing Recovery for Six or More Years, Most Active Alumni, and Best Dressed but all participants received recognition certificates for Success in Recovery.

"Recovery Month helps to spread the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover, and that the benefits of recovery are significant and valuable,” said Judith Seymour  the Department of Counselling Services director. “It  is important to recognize people who are in recovery, who have achieved healthy lifestyles and are now contributing in positive ways to their communities."

Hosted by Department of Counselling Services (DCS), other activities in Recovery Month promoted the societal benefits of prevention and reassured residents that there is effective treatment for persons and families suffering the effects of addiction.  Activities also focused on society’s negative perspective of, and stigma towards, affected persons while encouraging community participation in an effort to reduce these issues.   

For information about services offered by The Counselling Centre, call 949-8789, 949-0006 for the Family Resource Centre or contact Caribbean Haven Residential Centre at 947-9992.