PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The third annual Recovery Rocks event, hosted by Life By Design, Recovery Aroostook, Roads to Recovery Community Center in Caribou and Aroostook Mental Health Center, will bring together people from the local community to share stories of hope and recovery surrounding substance abuse disorders.
Last year more than 70 individuals attended Recovery Rocks, which will once again be held at Presque Isle Fish and Game Club.
In honor of National Recovery Month in September, the organizations are inviting those who have experienced recovery from addiction, and their family members, to join others for a free barbecue lunch, live music and to listen to folks share their individual stories of recovery.
“Our hope is to promote awareness, reduce stigma and show that entering and sustaining recovery is possible,” said Kelley Johnston, licensed alcohol and drug counselor for Life By Design. “We have individuals in our communities who are living meaningful lives because of long-term recovery.”
People of all ages can also take part in a special “Recovery Rocks” activity. Similar to the “Kindness Rocks” challenge, “Recovery Rocks” asks people to paint and include a positive message on a rock. They can then post a photo of themselves with the rock on Facebook and then hide the rock elsewhere. The goal is for someone else to find the rock, feel inspired by its message, share their discovery on Facebook and then place the rock in another spot.
Life By Design has used the “Recovery Rocks” Facebook page to keep the project keep going and to generate excitement for this year’s recovery celebration.
As the drug crisis becomes more prevalent throughout Aroostook County, Johnston noted, events such as Recovery Rocks serve as a way for folks to connect with various local mental health and recovery resources. She hopes that people come away from the event with the message that recovery is possible.
“Recovery from addiction is a process of change in which there are many pathways. It involves developing new life skills, building healthy support systems and making decisions that align with personal values,” Johnston said. “The drug crisis is an epidemic but one from which our communities can heal.”
Recovery Rocks will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, located at 360 Parsons Road.
