Recovery is a Journey; Join us on our 2nd Annual Recovery Walk!
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
The “working” definition of recovery from mental health or substance use disorder is “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential”. September is National Recovery Month, a month that should be spent acknowledging all walks of recovery.
There is work to be done when we talk about recovery. Let’s not look at recovery as a job that must be done, rather a well-deserved healing process. Work is required to recover from physical health ailments, such as a surgery; physical healing might include physical therapy, follow-up appointments with a doctor, medication, change in diet, exercise, and self-care. Like healing from a physical ailment, recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder takes work and time. No two recoveries are same and every person working toward recovery has their own unique path. Recovery from mental health and/or substance use includes trial and error… often the work involves stepping out of your comfort zone and doing things differently for the first time. It’s just as important to learn from setbacks and it is to celebrate accomplishments, both big and small. Recovery is learning new ways to cope, healthy ways to self-regulate, creating new friendships, seeking out new support systems, setting boundaries, understanding your body, being aware of triggers, and knowing that some days are going to be harder than others. Recovery is not something that should be done alone and does not have to be done alone. It takes being vulnerable, honest, staying in touch with others that support your recovery, a willingness to change, and the goal is to reach a sense of freedom. It’s not going back to the way things used to be, it’s moving forward and creating a new way of living. Recovery is a journey that gives each of us a unique perspective that has the ability to not only improve our own lives and relationships but also give us wisdom to share support and encouragement to others throughout their own journey. Recovery is a lifestyle!
Join us in celebrating recovery at the second annual Recovery Walk on Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at the corner of Front Street and East Muskingum Park in downtown Marietta, Ohio beginning at 9 a.m. Community members joining the walk are encouraged to bring pictures and signs to raise awareness and celebrate Recovery. There will be community resource tables, a recovery art gallery, FREE Recovery Is Beautiful t-shirts (while supplies last), and of course fellowship. The path for the walk will go across the Putnam Street Bridge, down Gilman Avenue, across the Washington Street Bridge, and end back at East Muskingum Park.
The Washington County Health Department will be in attendance to educate community members on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer nasal naloxone, known as Narcan (prescription medication used to reverse the effects of a known or suspected opioid overdose, evident by emergency signs of breathing problems, severe sleepiness, or not being able to respond). Family members, friends, or bystanders, may use Narcan to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose until emergency assistance can arrive. Free Narcan kits and training will be available.
Thanks to the support of Washington County Residents in passing the Mental Health Levy in 2017, Washington County has many evidence based programs and continued supports in place to assist individuals in beginning and/or sustaining their recovery journey. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a mental health challenge or substance use disorder, reach out for help.
Local Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers
- Family Counseling & Rehabilitation Center (Marietta, OH): 740-249-8061
- Hopewell Health Center (Belpre, OH): 740-423-8095
- Call Mondays & Wednesdays between 8AM-11AM for available Walk-In Hours
- Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (Marietta, OH): 1-800-321-8293
- Life and Purpose Behavioral Health (Marietta, & Beverly, OH): 740-376-0930
- Walk-In Hours Monday through Friday 8AM-1PM
- Rigel Recovery Services (Reno, OH): 740-371-5160
- Detoxification & Residential Services (Beds are available!): 740-371-5476
For more information about services mentioned, visit the Washington County Behavioral Health Board’s website at www.wcbhb.org. Like and follow us on Facebook- Recovery Is Beautiful!
-Tara Plaughter, Washington County Behavioral Health Board