The Portland Recovery Community Center in Portland, Maine, and the organization "Young People in Recovery" joined forces Sunday to highlight a vast support network for people overcoming addiction.
A study by the Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Services shows that prescription drugs continue to be a public health concern in Maine. In 2013, more than one in ten high school students reported misusing prescription drugs. That is a lower percent than had been reported in 2009.
"I pretty much come from the youngest out of 8 kids," explains recovering addict Roy Leet, "Pretty much everybody was alcoholics or addicts growing up, you know? And I struggled for years with it in and out of prison. And this time out, I've been out 20 something months. And something switched."
Staff from the PRCC and Young People in Recovery and a group of volunteers organized the Rally for Recovery Sunday at Deering Oaks Park. There was live music, games and educational resources - not only for those overcoming addiction, but for anyone living a sober life.
"We're trying to get the message out there that recovery is possible," says Steve Coutreau, a counselor for the recovery center, "I'm a person in a long-term recovery. For me that means I haven't used drugs or alcohol since April 28th of 1990. That is possible."
Many people involved in these programs have been touched by addiction. Leet himself has started a weekly support group for people recently out of jail.
"Today I have a full time job, own a vehicle. I've got a wonderful girlfriend," beams Leet, "I got to marry my daughter last week. And I got to do it all sober!"
