Support those going through recovery

September is National Recovery Month, recognized locally by a Proclamation by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors as they 'Join the Voices for Recovery.”

Recovery is lifelong. Recovery certainly has its challenges, but those making this choice in their lives know the joy of living life one day at a time, living honestly with others and with themselves, and demonstrate every day the benefits of living in recovery.

It's surprising that stigma still is so prevalent with this illness. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 and, locally, a group of citizens came together in the mid 1960s to address substance use in Johnson County. And yet, today, some are still concerned about how they might be judged, should others learn of their recovery status. We are advocating for a community that embraces those in recovery and celebrates with them.

Johnson County has many opportunities for support of recovery, whether that's through AA or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or at MECCA. Still, there is more we can do as individuals to support and be open to those in recovery.

Ron Berg

Chief Executive Officer

MECCA Services

Iowa City