September is National Recovery month, which gives communities a chance to share about resources for addiction.
Around 300,000 people in Pennsylvania have a drug use disorder, according to data from the state. Today in Harrisburg, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs hosted a recovery month kick off event to highlight for everyone that there is a path forward.
“With drumming you, you can feel the vibrations of the sound and you can also look around and connect with people you know, with that common pulse," said Josh Robinson, who tours the country teaching people how to cope with drumming.
Other tips and tricks highlighted today? Dancing, yoga, breathing beads, and pro wrestling.
“So what we started doing was partnering up with recovery centers and we'll do a recovery talk,” said Jesus Rodriguez with Three Legacies Wrestling. "And then afterwards we'll mix it with the pro-wrestling events.”
A huge focus of today’s event was the need for community.
"Everybody feels so isolated normally and their own struggles and anything that you can do to manifest support and connection with other people is a gift,” said Robinson.
Cambria King, a peer navigator with UPMC, recovered from an opioid addiction by using methadone. She is a mother, and wants to remind people that no matter who you are, what life circumstances you have... It's possible to hit a rough patch.
"You have to know that someone else has been there, has wanted to not get out of bed that morning. And its okay to not get out of bed sometimes! You need your support group to be there for when you don't have the strength to do this on your own."
Community gives those in recovery a chance to hear stories like Mike Krafick's, an overdose survivor.
“I overdosed five times in my addiction. Actually, three times in one year, I went to the same hospital,” said Krafick.
He now works in recovery services at the same place that helped save his life.
“Being able to do that, go into that same hospital and say, I was once a patient here several years ago and this is what happened and this is what my life is like now,” said Krafick. "To me, that is how we spread the hope that recovery is possible.”
Pennsylvania estimates around 300,000 people have a drug use disorder. The State’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has talked with local programs about what is needed.
“Rural areas need additional resources. We know that there are under-served communities in certain urban settings and suburban settings,” said Secretary Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary of the Drug & Alcohol Programs Department. "So we are continuing to work to expand services across the Commonwealth."
And as people connect with resources;
“It is possible to get help. It is possible to come out on the other side,” said Rodriguez, "and ultimately it is possible to have fun sober."
Many people today referenced they have been in recovery for 10 years, 15- 30! They shared that recovery is a continual journey, and it requires grace for yourself.