43
Rallying for Recovery says recovery is working for addicts
By Jordan Cohen
WARREN
In Saturday’s pouring rain, they poured out their stories of substance abuse — addicts and the families they have left in turmoil.
“I was suffering from severe depression, and I debated attempting suicide,” said Len, 41, of Warren, who did not wish to give his last name. Len said his drug addiction began in high school after surgery for football injuries.
Teri Boggs of Newton Falls spoke of her son’s addiction that led him to prison for 18 months. “I was planning his funeral, and sometimes I wished he was gone,” she said.
“It’s no different for me whether it’s drugs or alcohol,” said Brian Shapiro, 38, who battles a 22-year addiction to heroin and crack. “I’m an addict.”
The gathering in Courthouse Square was more about hope and help, however.
“I’m state Rep. Tom Letson, and I am in recovery — something you don’t normally expect a politician to say,” said the longtime Warren Democrat from the 64th District, who has been public about his efforts to overcome alcoholism.
The good news for Letson, Shapiro, Boggs’ son and Len is that their recovery is working, which was the point of Rallying for Recovery.
Support groups set up tents on the rain-drenched grounds to reach out to anyone needing help while speakers discussed the nightmare that is substance abuse. Several people huddled by the booths asking questions and taking printed information.
Rallying for Recovery was the brainchild of Amy Frederick of Lordstown, who describes herself as the child, spouse and mother of addicts. “It’s horrible,” she said, “but you can’t live in hiding and shame.”
Frederick said she worked with the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Trumbull Ashtabula Group Law Enforcement Task Force, which invited a growing number of support groups — an apparent confirmation that drug and alcohol problems in Trumbull County may be getting worse.
SOLACE — Surviving our Loss and Continuing Everyday — concentrates on helping victims of prescription drug addiction. “We want to take away the stigma and shame of the disease [and] change the landscape of our community,” said Linda Spies, one of the founders of the recently launched local chapter.
Narcotics Anonymous, the group that Len has turned to for his recovery, is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous in that those in recovery are generally known only by their first names. Members of Families Anonymous rely on a 12-step program to help families through a loved one’s addiction.
Shapiro said that thanks to help from NA, he has been drug-free for more than four years, while Len said he feels “outstanding mentally, physically and spiritually” after two years in recovery.
Frederick said her daughter has been clean of drugs for six months, while Boggs said her son, now released from prison, is recovering and drug-free.
Letson said a 12-step program has helped him turn a corner.
“Sept. 29 will make 1,000 days of sobriety for me,” the legislator said.
The day also included a Running for Recovery 5K Race/Walk, a march north of Courthouse Square, free food, games and entertainment. The event was aimed at reducing drug abuse and crime.