Every year, thousands of San Diegans win their battle against drug addiction. And next month, hundreds of them will celebrate being drug-free at an event in Balboa Park.
Recovery: A Community Affair is an annual event sponsored by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and its many prevention and treatment partners. It is being held during National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
The event will be on the lawn near Presidents Way and Park Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 6. It is free and open to the public and will feature live music, games and resource tables.
The County and its many partners organize the annual event to celebrate the accomplishments of those who are now in recovery and are leading a life free from alcohol and other drugs.
“Meth, excessive drinking and other addictions take a devastating toll on families, so it’s important to celebrate those who have come out on the other side and are rebuilding their lives,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, County Board of Supervisors.
During fiscal year 2012-2013, nearly 14,000 people were admitted into County-funded treatment centers. Approximately 12,400 were adults and about 1,500 were under 18 years of age. For adults, the number one drug of choice was meth (36 percent), followed by alcohol (26 percent) and heroin (17 percent). Young people sought treatment for marijuana (77 percent), alcohol (11 percent) and meth (7 percent).
Recovery: A Community Affair is part of Live Well San Diego, the County’s initiative to improve the overall health and well-being of local residents.
“The County and its partners are working together to help San Diegans overcome their addictions,” said County Supervisor Dave Roberts who will be attending the event. “Live Well San Diego aims to improve the health of residents and communities across the region and that includes preventing alcohol and drug abuse.”
Typically, about one third of people who enter treatment complete their program, one third drop out, and one third make some progress toward recovery.
“Addiction does not simply affect the individual. It also affects children and families and entire communities,” said HHSA Director Nick Macchione. “Preventing alcohol and other drug abuse, providing treatment services and addressing emerging drug problems helps to improve the health and well-being of local residents and communities.”
People suffering from substance abuse problems due to alcohol or drugs are encouraged to seek help by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240
or 2-1-1.
