Pubdate: Mon, 05 Sep 2005
Source: Marin Independent Journal (CA)
Copyright: 2005 Marin Independent Journal
Contact:  http://www.marinij.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/673
Author: Holly Woolard
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

DRUG AND ALCOHOL RECOVERY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IN MARIN

FACT: 84 percent of 11th-graders in Marin County report that alcohol and 
marijuana are easy to obtain.

Fact: 80 percent of arrests in Marin County are alcohol and/or drug related.

Fact: There is hope through recovery programs.

September is National Recovery Month, and the Marin County Advisory Board 
on Alcohol and Other Drug Problems wants to let everyone know that there 
are numerous services available for those afflicted by addictive diseases.

The advisory board and community organizations have teamed up to host 
"Recover Your Life" on Saturday at the Corte Madera Community Center from 
noon to 5 p.m. There will be live entertainment, speakers, including 
Assemblyman Joe Nation, and even an area set aside for children to 
encourage families to come out and celebrate the recovery process.

"I will be there to embrace those people who work every single day to stay 
in recovery," said D.J. Pierce, chief of the Marin County Division of 
Alcohol, Drug & Tobacco Programs. "It's a stigmatized disease, and it is a 
disease. For me it's very honorable to be in recovery."

Pierce's participation in Saturday's event is both professional and 
personal. She has been in recovery for 19 years and has family members 
battling their own addictions. Pierce points out that when one family 
member struggles with addictions, the entire family is affected.

"The impact goes through the whole family," Pierce said. "The family 
suffers so much. Some of the consequences are economic, the children and 
interpersonal relationships.

"It's like the elephant in the living room," Pierce added. "Families keep 
it hidden. When someone is in recovery, the family members have to change 
with them."

One glaring ramification of alcohol and/or drug abuse is lawlessness, 
including driving while impaired, physical abuse to loved ones or anyone 
else in an addict's way, and theft or robbery to support habits. San Rafael 
Police Department Officer Joel Fay, who will be speaking on Saturday along 
with Pierce, believes the uniform can make a difference.

"Our job is to make the right thing easy and the wrong thing hard," Fay 
says. "When I'm arresting somebody I always ask if you would like to do 
something different. I think that sometimes people who are struggling lose 
hope that they can recover."

Fay, a mental health liaison, is frequently called on when problems arise 
with the county's homeless population. The STAR program - support and 
treatment after release - has emerged as an effective way to get the 
homeless off the street for good.

"I wear a uniform," Fay said. "I want people to know that this is the 
police department that is making an effort.

"We contact people when they are at their worst. We get the opportunity to 
come in and make a difference. I hope people see us as an ally."

Both Fay and Pierce firmly believe Marin outreach programs and treatment 
agencies are making a difference. The scope of Saturday's event is just one 
indication. A similar event was staged last year in Novato, drawing a small 
but appreciative crowd of 100. Organizers expect more than 1,000 to show up 
this year, with most Marin agencies and programs expected to be on hand to 
provide literature or support to anyone concerned about addictions.

"I'm honored to be included," Fay said. "Sometimes you need to laugh or 
smile. It provides hope for other families."

It's ironic that Saturday's event is billed as a community party when many 
county gatherings actually encourage the use of alcohol. Pierce knows 
firsthand that you don't need to drink or drug to party.

"I hope people come and have a great time," Pierce said. "I get to go and 
celebrate and bring my family."
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman