September is annual Recovery Month, which promotes the benefits of preventing substance abuse.
This year’s theme is “It’s Worth It” and as part of that theme, the Cayman Islands Department of Counselling Services is promoting and celebrating the societal benefits of prevention of substance abuse and treatment for people and families affected by substance use and abuse.
Encouraging public participation, Department of Counselling Services Director Judith Seymour said: “Recovery Month helps to spread the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover, and that the benefits of recovery are significant and valuable not just to those persons directly affected but to the broader community as well. So let us celebrate the success of people who are in recovery, while acknowledging the efforts of those who work in the treatment and prevention field, this and every month.”
Activities will focus on society’s negative perspective of, and stigma toward, people who have used or are users of alcohol and/or drugs and will also encourage community participation in an effort to reduce these issues.
To kick off the month-long initiative on Friday, 7 September, a talent night held at the Harquail Theatre will feature local entertainment for people of all ages.
There will also be interactive anti-drug lunch and learn sessions on 11 and 18 September at the Government Administration Building, at which parents can learn how to talk to kids about drugs, look at its effects and what they can do to safeguard their homes.
A separate session will be offered for teenagers at the Family Resource Centre on Tuesday, 25 September, to help them find ways to fight the negative influences of drug use.
Families, especially those who have been affected by alcohol or drug addiction, are invited to attend a picnic day at Seven Mile Beach on Saturday, 15 September.
To wrap up the month’s activities, on Friday, 28 September, individuals will be honoured for their outstanding accomplishments in recovery from substance abuse.
For more information on Recovery Month events and how to get involved, contact the Counselling Centre at 949-8789, the Family Resource Centre at 949-0006 or Caribbean Heaven Residential Centre at 947-9992.
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