Community Center will welcome artwork from contest

The Sussex County Recovery Community Center will again welcome artwork from the Heroin and Opioid Art Contest sponsored yearly by the Drug Enforcement Administration, NY/NJ Division High Intensity Drug-Trafficking Area, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

All are welcome to join other recovery friendly people at a yearly celebration of National Recovery Month with this unique artwork reception. Artwork from statewide artists depicting the effects of substance use as well as the joys of recovery will adorn the walls of The Center at 65 Newton-Sparta Road with a public reception held on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 from 6-8 p.m.

Featured artists will speak, sharing the process by which artwork impacted their lives and their recovery journey. Submissions include pieces by those struggling with addiction as well as creations by family and friends. This event is an opportunity to experience an understanding of how art can generate awareness, initiating hope while offering a path for healing from substance use disorders. A “People’s Choice” winner will be chosen at the event where the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite work of art.

September is National Recovery Month and there are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery.

Since these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month provides a time to celebrate these accomplishments. Each September, tens of thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the country celebrate National Recovery Month. They speak about the gains made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and furthers a greater understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.

Now in its 30th year, National Recovery Month 2019 will celebrate with the logo, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.”

This month highlights the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and promotes the message that recovery in all of its forms is possible, encouraging citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need.

The public is invited to enjoy refreshments, browse artwork and find encouragement to be further inspired with creativity and a recovery focus at this special event on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at The Center at 65 Newton Sparta Road, Newton.

The Heroin and Opioid Art Exhibit will be on display throughout the month of September 2019 at The Center’s Recovery Community Center, open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9-9 p.m., Tues 8-8 p.m., Fri 9-5 p.m., Saturday hours vary and it is closed on Sunday.