September serves as National Recovery Month, which celebrates the gains made by those fighting addiction. While Marshall County continues to battle an ever-growing opiate problem, there are also many success stories to celebrate.
According to Community Corrections Director Ward Byers, through collaborative efforts with criminal justice partners and local treatment providers many client recoveries have been reported. Marshall County Community Corrections provides assistance with substance abuse recovery by hosting a support group ever Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Life Enrichment Center in Plymouth. The Smart Recovery Substance Abuse support group is a free service open to the public called Discover the Power of Choice.
Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel said America’s drug epidemic is costlier and more dangerous than ever. Of the crimes committed in the U.S., 70% of violent crime and 90% of property crime are now drug and alcohol abuse related. Not only does the American drug epidemic cost lives, it takes an astonishing toll on the economy, costing an estimated $400 billion a year. Hassel said that in order to reverse the negative impact that the drug epidemic is having on society the problem must be attacked with substance abuse treatment and recovery.
The ongoing efforts of Community Corrections, Probation and the Marshall County Drug & Alcohol Program continue to provide resources and services to citizens suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues to ensure they can find the road to recovery.
Recognizing National Recovery Month shows that recovery is possible and reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health.
Help is available right here in the area. If you or someone you know is battling substance abuse or mental health disorders you can contact the following places for assistance:
The Bowen Center [574-936-9646]
A New Direction [574-966-5060]
Brighter Tomorrows [574-935-9449]
Eric Foster Inc. Counseling Services [574-936-3377].
Marshall County Community Corrections at [574-935-8782]
