Sonoma County Recovery Happens

Celebrate Recovery

Are you in recovery from alcohol or other drug addiction? Have you witnessed the power of recovery by seeing the change in a friend or loved one? Then you have an opportunity to celebrate with your community by participating in Recovery Happens. Each year the Sonoma County Recovery Happens Coalition plans a variety of activities to highlight the benefits of recovery. We welcome your participation.

The Purpose

Every day, people find their way to recovery through personal courage, strength, and the support of a caring community. One of the most difficult hurdles faced by those in recovery is the stigma that our society attaches to substance abuse and addiction issues. Recovery Happens is all about showing the community that treatment works and reducing the stigma addicts experience. Recovery Happens events show the community that people can and do turn their lives around.

Treatment Works*

Research proves that every dollar invested in treatment, yields $7 savings related to crime. When health care costs are factored in, the savings approach $12 for every dollar spent on treatment.

More than 240,000 people per year are admitted into California state licensed alcohol and other drug addiction treatment facilities. Many others seek assistance from support groups such as AA or NA. An estimated 2.6 million Californians are currently using illicit drugs. Chances are your life has been impacted by the alcohol and other drug abuse or addiction of someone close to you. This is an issue that should concern everyone.

*Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies, State Estimates of Substance Use From The 2002 National Survey On Drug Use And Health; fact sheet located on the California State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs website.

Statewide Recovery Happens

September is Recovery Happens Month in California. Recovery Happens events are held in communities throughout the State. The month kicks off with a big rally on the west steps of the State Capitol.

Event Details

Sonoma County has held Recovery Happens celebrations for more than 16 years, often attended by more than 600 people. The 2010 event will take place in Franklin Park, 2095 Franklin Drive, Santa Rosa. There will be a cooperative potluck lunch. Treatment programs will be participating in a spirited softball tournament beginning at 10 a.m.

Coalition Members

Athena House, California Human Development Corp., Drug Abuse Alternatives Center, Henry Ohlhoff House, Interfaith Shelter Network, Latino Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Treatment Program, Sonoma County Advisory Board on Alcohol and Other Drug Problems, North Bay Veterans Resource Center, Womens Recovery Services.

For more information or to offer your support in the event planning process, please call (707) 565-6945.