By Nida Merchant
On June 5, 2019, the State of Georgia held a press conference announcing a brand new initiative: Georgia Recovers.
Governor Brian Kemp alongside DBHDD Commissioner Judy Fitzgerald has worked together in raising funds for the Georgia Council of Substance Abuse in promoting recovery for all Georgians who may need help. In doing so, the state of Georgia is proving strives in its effort to combat the growing epidemic.
This problem affects the lives of millions of people including Tori Holcomb who is currently in long term recovery from an Opioid addiction lasting over twelve years. When she finally allowed herself to accept that she had a problem, she was able to begin her journey of recovery.
Today, she serves as a Lead Lifeline Recovery Coach for Navigate Recovery Gwinnett and shares her story to countless individuals to inform the struggles of addiction. She recently was able to share her struggles at an Opioid Crisis Symposium in Sugar Hill a few months back. She emphasized, “As long as there is air in their lungs there is hope!”
The fuel to the drug crisis in the state comes from the stigmatized barrier that comes along with it. The Georgia Council of Substance Abuse (GCSA) has begun a new message in promoting the recovery for all Georgians.
“Georgia Recovers highlights 18 recovery champions who have survived the disease of addiction and are excited and proud to share the message that ‘Recovery is Real.’” Commissioner Fitzgerald told WTVM.
‘Recovery is Real’ is the motto that all GCSA and State officials preached in their press conference announcing their support to the program. The marketing campaign will highlight the lives of 18 individuals that are currently in the process of long term recovery. Similar to Tori Holcomb, these individuals will be sharing their experiences firsthand by showing that recovery truly is real and that there is hope for a better and more sustainable way of life.
Georgia officials and the Georgia Council of Substance Abuse hope that this marketing technique will increase conversation on this issue.
In a recent conversation with Major Greg Adams, the North Gwinnett Police Precinct Commander stated a quote that still resonates with Georgians today, “We cannot arrest our way out of the [crisis], we have to inform our way out.”
#GArecovers #RecoveryIsReal
