Pubdate: Tue, 11 Sep 2001
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Robert F Moore

EVENT EMPHASIZES HELP FOR ADDICTIONS

Monthlong National Campaign Intended To Show Available Support

One hundred fifty-six days into his recovery from alcohol and drug 
addiction, Desmond laughs a little differently.

"I laughed before because I had a belly full of liquor," the 16-year-old 
recalled. "Now I laugh because I'm happy."

Desmond, of Charlotte, has not been sober this long since he was 12. He 
just started school again after dropping out in a fog of beer, hard liquor 
and pot.

"I realized one day I couldn't stop. I would say I'll just drink three 
shots to loosen up. Before I knew it, the bottle was empty."

Desmond was one of several speakers, including two other teens, who shared 
their personal stories Monday at an uptown event designed to kick off 
National Recovery Month. Organizers said several agencies in the Carolinas 
have planned similar events to increase public awareness about addiction.

Tony Mulvihill, executive director of the Durham-based Alcohol/Drug Council 
of North Carolina, said he hoped the monthlong campaign would dispel some 
common myths about addiction.

"People know they can arrest diabetes, hypertension and many other 
diseases," Mulvihill said. "But many people don't realize they can stop 
addiction."

The council estimates more than 750,000 people in North Carolina - about 10 
percent of the population - will become alcoholics or addicts. The group 
estimates more than 3 million people, including relatives and co-workers, 
are affected by abusers of drugs and alcohol.

Susan Rook, spokeswoman for Step One, a substance abuse treatment center in 
Winston-Salem, is the former host of CNN's Talk Back Live. Years ago she 
could not get through an 8-hour shift without taking a drink.

"Recovery brings back what addiction takes away," Rook told about 50 people 
at the Adam's Mark Hotel Monday. "It brings back health, happiness, 
self-esteem, self-worth and husbands."

Experts say few addicts get help and the public often remains silent until 
someone has been killed, hospitalized or arrested.

More than 9,000 people have been killed in alcohol-related wrecks in North 
Carolina since 1985, state records show. A recent study shows about 70 
percent of the males arrested in Mecklenburg were under the influence of drugs.

Some, like Emily, an 18-year-old Charlotte woman who also shared her story 
Monday, seek treatment several times. She lived on the streets just two 
years ago, hunting Ecstasy, alcohol and marijuana highs. Now she attends 
college and counsels other addicts.

Charlaina, 16, has been sober for 13 months. She hopes sharing her story 
will help others.

"I'm not afraid to tell people about it," Charlaina said. "My experience 
gives me courage."
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