Heroin Art exhibit has a successful opening at SCCC Speakers weigh in on National Recovery Month
Newton — Sussex County Prosecutor, Francis Koch addressed the audience of community members at a National Recovery Month event at Sussex County Community College Friday evening. A reception to welcome the Heroin Addiction Art exhibit sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was held in collaboration with the Center for Prevention and the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council.
“Addiction can affect any family and educating everyone how to prevent substance use in the first place and then, if it occurs, how to support people into and through their recovery journey is important for all of us to understand.” Koch said.
Inspirational art and wordsTheresa DeSalvio, an artist from Passaic County, created a sequence of pictures that features Pinocchio as he enters a world of addiction, finally reaching recovery.
“I wanted to show the various and very difficult stages one goes through, how family is affected and finally achieving recovery," said De Salvio.
Katie Calvacca, 25, from Vernon, spoke as a young person in long-term recovery. Her honest and sincere recollection of how she found her way from addiction to recovery was so very inspirational to hear. “When someone is drowning you don't say, “Well, he shouldn't have jumped in if he can’t swim.” You urgently do all you can to save him. We need to help and support those drowning in the effects of addiction, not condemn them. It may seem simple, but I live on my own, I pay my bills on time, I’ve been able to take care of my family, and I’m working now to show that people can and do get well.”
Helpful facts and informationTimothy McMahon, DEA Public Information Officer spoke about the connections between prescription drugs and heroin use.
Sept. 26 is nationwide prescription drug disposal day.
“Prescription drugs can often be the gateway to heroin use and are most available in every medicine cabinet in our homes. When you are selling a house, remove your prescription drugs. When you no longer need a prescription, be a part of the solution to illegal drug use by disposing unwanted drugs at any one of the local disposal sites available in your county," said McMahon.
"Sussex County has seven permanent prescription drug disposal sites for safe disposal of unwanted medications seven days a week, 24 hours a day, anonymously, no questions asked," he added.
Annmarie Shafer, Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families in Sussex County, a program of the Center for Prevention and Counseling, spoke about the need to encourage families to talk about substance use disorders.
“From the age of 2 years old through adulthood, there are conversations we can have with youth and young adults about preventing drug use. Addiction and alcoholism are being termed pediatric brain diseases because most originate in the adolescent years. Helping youth to enter young adulthood drug-free can ensure that they avoid a lifetime of addiction.” Shafer stated.
September is National Recovery Month. There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery.
Now in its 26th year, Recovery Month highlights the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and honors the treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible.More information is available at www.recoverymonth.org
Locally, The Center for Prevention and Counseling receives grant funding from the Sussex County Department of Human Services to increase support to people and families seeking recovery.
The Center for Prevention and Counseling can be reached at 973-383-4787 or visit www.facebook.com/SussexCountyRecoveryCommunity
The Heroin Addiction Art exhibit will be on display through the first week of October at the Sussex County Community College’s Performing Arts Center Atrium in Newton.