Press Releases

Press Release: Putting a Face on Recovery to Combat Stigma and Discrimination

Kirkland, WA  June 15, 2007 - According to a 2004 survey by the Department Of Health And Human Services, a large percentage of the people who admit they need treatment for alcohol and drugs don't seek it due to the stigma and discrimination that often surrounds addiction and recovery? Sadly, stigma for the most part is based on ignorance, poor media representation and the lack of public advocacy for recovery.

Combating stigma and discrimination is the focus of a Recovery Advocacy Movement that was created to put a face on recovery so that those still struggling will feel free to seek the treatment they need and deserve. As part of this movement, September is officially celebrated as National Recovery Month. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), National Recovery Month was organized to highlight the societal benefits of treatment for alcohol and drug use, laud the contributions of treatment providers and promote the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. It was also created to encourage citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective alcohol and drug use treatment for those in need, educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis and put a face on the power of recovery in our homes, workplace and community.

On September 22rd, in celebration of National Recovery Month, Residence XII, a nonprofit treatment center for women in Kirkland, WA, is organizing the second The Power of Recovery Walk and Recovery Fair which will take place at Carillon Point in Kirkland. Sponsored by treatment centers and recovery supporters throughout the state, the walk provides a platform to celebrate those in recovery while drawing the attention of the media and public officials to the reality that recovery from alcoholism and substance abuse is not only possible but real.

"We chose to organize this event last year as part of our own 25th Anniversary Celebration," says Sharon Chambers, Executive Director of Residence XII. "As a non-profit our mission is to not only provide the highest quality service available for treatment but to also increase public awareness surrounding the power of recovery. Last year The Power of Recovery Walk was so successful at putting a positive face on recovery, we felt it was our responsibility and honor to do it again. We re hoping more and more people who support recovery will participate this year so we can continue to show those still struggling that there is something more powerful than alcohol and drugs. 

But putting a face on recovery and advocacy is a tricky subject as many people in recovery, will tell you themselves. There is much confusion about the Tradition of Anonymity within a 12-Step Program and secrecy. "As long as you do not publicly identify yourself as a member of A.A. (or other similar 12-Step programs) you are NOT violating the Traditions of these programs," says Neil Scott, radio host of 1590 AM's Recovery Coast to Coast. "You can let people know that you are in recovery as long as you understand and respect the meaning and purpose for the Tradition of anonymity."

Ironically, AA's co-founders, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, were both members of the founding Board of Directors of the National Council on Alcoholism (NCA), America's leading advocacy organization. And they were not representing A.A., they were simply active citizens vitally concerned about a serious public health problem. While AA "takes no stand on outside issues." Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith felt compelled to get involved, and knew the benefits of, standing up and speaking out as private citizens about alcohol and substance abuse without ever mentioning their membership in A.A.

"Every time a person in recovery shares their experience, strength and hope with someone outside a 12-Step meeting they are creating a climate of knowledge and understanding, free from shame or embarrassment making it possible for more people to feel free to seek treatment," says Scott. "Afterall, the bright side of addiction is recovery and that is the message we all need to send!"

The bright side of recovery is the message of The Power of Recovery Walk and the theme of September 22nd's event. Notable speakers, including Grant Goodeve of Northwest Backroads, will speak on the importance of supporting recovery in our homes, workplace, community and lives. Neil Scott, will address the issue of Secrecy vs. Anonymity. From 1  5 p.m. recovery supporters and walkers will enjoy live entertainment, a recovery fair, activities for children, food from the Kirkland Kiwanis and an afternoon of fellowship. Although this is not a fundraising event, profits from sales of t-shirts, recovery merchandise popcorn and sponsorships will go to The Alcohol/Drug 24-Hour Help Line, a nonprofit agency that provides important resources and education for those struggling with addiction in their lives.

For more information about the event, or to participate, go to www.recoverywalk.org. For more information on Recovery Month go to www.recoverymonth.gov.

About Residence XII - Located in Kirkland, Washington, Residence XII is the Northwest's premier non-profit alcohol and chemical dependency treatment center for women and their families. Opened in 1981, they have treated more than 7,400 women with alcohol and chemical dependency and their families. Their gender-specific programs include Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Continuing Care, and Relapse Prevention for women 18 and up. For more information visit www.residencexii.org

About The Alcohol/Drug 24-Hour Help Line (ADHL) - The Alcohol/Drug 24-Hour Help Line (ADHL) is a confidential, Washington Statewide telephone service providing assistance and guidance for people with alcohol and other drug-related problems. ADHL has been serving the general public and the professional community since 1979. ADHL has a history as a vital and respected community resource. For more information about ADHL visit: www.adhl.org or call (206) 722-3700 (WA only) (800) 562-1240

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