New beginnings and changed lives were celebrated in Clearlake Saturday when approximately 60 people came together to “March for Recovery.” The event, sponsored by Lake County Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS), was a celebration of clean and sober lifestyles realized through guidance and support.
March for Recovery, held in celebration of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, began with a procession of supporters on a march from Redbud Park down Lakeshore Drive to Austin Park.
The event included a picnic with guest speakers, some of whom shared their experiences with addiction and others that described the effects that drugs and alcohol have on society.
Laura Solis, AODS executive director, welcomed all to the event, which was held in memory of Ric Gunderson, who had been integral to many successes of the program prior to his recent passing. Gunderson”s mother, Dorothy Miller, was present to express appreciation on behalf of her son.
“I know Ric is looking down and seeing all of this. He loved us all so much,” Miller said as she fought back her tears. “This was his second family and you people gave us our boy back.”
Words of encouragement shared by Lake County Superior Court Judge Stephen Hedstrom and Clearlake Mayor Judy Thein were highlights of the event. Hedstrom spoke of addiction and treatment drawn from his experience working in the justice system. “We”ve all experienced how substance abuse can be devastating to people and families,” he said, continuing with descriptions of the court cases he”s presided over related to abuse. “The ones that I most remember are the ones in which people are impacted with the loss of a loved one.
“Treatment of alcohol and drug abuse is critical,” Hedstrom continued, adding how he has often spoken with offenders of public intoxication with a focus on treatment rather than incarceration. “Treatment can improve public safety and public health. There”s a satisfying taste when a person comes in and they have completed the program and they are now drug free and you can dismiss the case.”
Mayor Thein, who has made alcohol prevention a personal crusade at the loss of her daughter to an alcohol-related collision, addressed the crowd on behalf of the city with council members Curt Giambruno and Chuck Leonard by her side. “For many individuals, the awareness of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month can mean hope and safety for a better tomorrow,” Thein said. “It can mean the difference between poverty and economic opportunities. It can mean a healthier life, free of life-threatening illnesses. Most importantly, it can mean the difference between life and death.”
Thein described the many ways that the City of Clearlake is working to provide its citizens with a clean and healthy community where drug addiction and alcoholism do not dominate.
The city recently adopted an ordinance regulating underage drinking; code enforcement is working diligently to eliminate blight, which she said often serves as a harbor for substance abuse; and law enforcement has stepped up its efforts in eliminating undesirable elements within the community.
“Recovery starts within the heart of individuals and our city, as the heart of the city is the people within,” Thein said. “The journey through recovery is difficult and lengthy. Do not hesitate to open your heart to those in need of guidance and support. What you do today to support and help an individual will affect the life of that individual tomorrow. It is through your example that others will follow.”
Stories of addiction were shared by those who are now celebrating recovery. Stephanie said she had been on a 35-year-long run with drugs. She said that even though her counselor was tough, she now enjoys a life free of drugs thanks to him and the programs offered by AODS. “I just wanted to say thank-you,” she said.
A young mother shared her story during the gathering. Rachel, 27, said she started using methamphetamine when she was 15-years-old. It wasn”t until last February when her three children were taken from her that she realized the destruction the drugs had had on her life. “I”m really happy to be clean today,” she said. “I got my baby back and I will be getting my girls back soon.”
Samantha, 17, shared her tale during the gathering as well. After becoming an addict at 12, her use continued until, at 17, when she had a baby and the system intervened and took her child.
