HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — For those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, each day can feel like a battle. During the pandemic, those days can feel even longer and harder. One group is stepping in to help.
We met with Mike Woods, a Recovery Support Specialist with Partnership for a Drug Free Community in Huntsville. Woods says, “Substance abuse-- it takes you away from the world. You’re living in your own head. You can’t see a way out. So, when you’re already living in that and then the world stops moving around you… people are staying in, they’re not going out. People aren’t really talking anymore. It makes it feel even smaller. And even more weight gets put on you, you feel more depressed. And all you can think about is more drugs.”
The American Medical Association reports more than 40 states have documented increases in opioid-related mortality during the pandemic. Partnership for a Drug Free Community has brought recovery programs, and support groups virtual to meet the growing need during the pandemic, and anyone can join. Woods tells our reporter, “They can get on the website. They can get on Facebook Twitter… We post links right before it starts and they can click on them and join on that way.”
As the Recovery Support Specialist, Mike Woods hears about struggles locals are facing every day. But, he also knows them first hand. Woods tells us, “When I was using, I was homeless. Being homeless, you know, you may not always be the cleanest and to go into a room with people that are clean or living a good life, it can be really scary.”
He says Partnership provides help to anyone who needs it.
On September 30, the lot in front of the building will be filled with tables and tents as local resources come together to help those battling addiction during Partnership’s Second Annual Recovery Resource Fair, put together by their “Recovery Resource Hub”. Woods adds, “Well people have a lot of questions about recovery and more importantly, the treatment centers. We have a lot of treatment service providers coming and that's a first hand account. They can say ‘What am I going to expect? What kind of programs do you have?’”
He adds, "It’s judgement free, you can come as you are. You don’t have to be the nicest dressed. You don’t have to be anything-- you just have to show up.”
The Recovery Resource Fair will be at Partnership for a Drug Free Community in Downtown Huntsville starting Wednesday, September 30 at 4:30 pm. The event will be outside and masks will be provided so everyone can stay safe during the pandemic.
Partnership for A Drug Free Community is holding virtual group sessions online via Zoom for those who need support. You can find the link here. You can also connect with them via their Facebook page for more resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available.
Crisis Services North Alabama 256-716-1000 or 1-800-691-8426
Alabama Help for Opioid Addiction 24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760 courageforall.com