Recovering addict says societal norms are getting better about addiction

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – In Lexington moves toward creating a healthier community during an opioid epidemic is on the forefront of community leader’s minds.

Tuesday, Mayor Linda Gorton posted on Twitter her support of bringing awareness to recovery month.

National Recovery Month begins Sunday, September 1, and there are many related events happening around the city all month long. Our City has united to fight against the effects of the opioid crisis. Stay tuned as the events are listed at the link below.https://t.co/ixJV2Uf27p

— Mayor Linda Gorton (@MayorGorton) August 27, 2019

ABC 36 News talked to members of Lexington’s chapter of Narcotics Anonymous.

We cannot reveal their faces or share their last names for their privacy as recovering addicts.

One member, Dave has been clean of drugs for 44 years.

He said the its important people recognize the challenge of addiction.

“Now more of society views addiction as a disease, where years ago, it was viewed as addicts were criminals,” he said.

Roscoe, another member of NA, said for him realizing the parallel of addiction to that of a disease needing to be treated, was how he was able to get clean.

The members of NA said they want people to know there is a life after substance abuse.

For more information about meetings and how to get help through Lexington’s Narcotics Anonymous head to its website.