Forum today addresses addiction, incarceration, healing in the community

YOUNGSTOWN

Changing opinions that drug addiction is a disease and not a choice is one of the main issues facing the community, said organizers at a forum hosted by the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative today.

Greg Solomon and Tina Cvetkovich, who headed up a presentation on Wellness and Recovery from addiction issues at the forum, said that one of the most common stereotypes people have about drug use — that it’s a choice — is far from the truth.

“Have an open mind,” Cvetkovich said. “It’s not a lifestyle choice.”

The forum, which was also sponsored by the United Returning Citizens, took place at Mount Calvary Pentescotal Church and addressed other issues such as education and school reform, mass incarceration and civic engagement.

Solomon and Cvetkovich both majored in social work at Youngstown State University and both said they are recovering drug users, with 19 and 10 years of sobriety, respectively.

Read more about the issue and the forum in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.