By Matthew Estes, Communications Director
This is an opinion piece.
Surprisingly, on one of the dreariest days of 2024, with rain and clouds inundating the entire state, something unexpectedly bright was coming together. Deep inside the Alabama State House, a large crowd that included Governor Kay Ivey, State Senator Dan Roberts and State Representative Jeremy Gray gathered to celebrate a statewide support system serving those engaged in recovery. There, members of recovery organizations, advocates, media, government leaders and the public gathered for one purpose: to promote continuing down the road of success and making recovery options even more accessible to citizens of Alabama.
The turnout was far higher than expected with a crowd that represented nearly every county in the state. Much of the event was supposed to take place outside on a bright spring day. That didn’t matter, because everyone knew they were there to help make the world a better, more accepting place for those in recovery. One phrase, often repeated, summarized the sentiments of speakers and audience members alike: addiction is a disease, not a moral failing.
Then the stories came… one, after another, after another. Around the clock, individuals came up on stage to describe how, when they were at their lowest, miracles came to lift them up. These wonders took many forms – commonly a spiritual encounter, but also the arrival of mentors, family members, organizational leaders or even the justice system. Many of these storytellers, helped by others, soon became legends themselves, going on to serve in leadership positions at recovery organizations or sometimes even starting their own.
For others without a recovery story, the event was a reminder to be thankful – a few bad decisions, or even things completely outside of one’s control, could lead down a path difficult to recover from. Advancements in treatment, including the widespread training and availability of naloxone, should also be celebrated as optimistic markers for the improvement of society.
In addition to those telling their recovery stories and active in causes across the state to improve recovery resources, many of whom are one-in-the-same, it was also a pleasure to listen to state leaders throwing their support behind recovery projects. Governor Kay Ivey was met with applause behind her message about continuing improvement for recovery resources. In addition, her proclamation of March 5 as Recovery Advocacy Day in Alabama sent a strong message of support to the crowd. Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kimberly Boswell, ABPP’s Director Cam Ward, Department of Corrections Associate Commissioner Deborah Crook, ADMH’s State Opioid Coordinator Debbi Metzger, State Senator Dan Roberts, State Representative Jeremy Gray, and Recovery Resource Center Program Director John Bayles each delivered important messages about the commitment of their respective agencies and organizations. Alabama Alliance For Recovery Residences Director Curt Lindsley, alongside the rest of the planning committee that included several members of ABPP and other partner agencies, did a fantastic job selecting powerful recovery stories.
Alabama is prioritizing the availability of recovery resources to those who need it, and that’s something all citizens of the state should be proud of. After all, there is no need to be alone during the healing process — recovery is a journey best taken together.
