REACHING FOR RECOVERY

Fifty years ago (1971) ago, Ottagon Addiction Recovery (OAR) was founded as an NGO dedicated to addressing drug and alcohol addiction. Among its first efforts was the establishment the Chester Ray Center, a residential facility for men only. The CRC is located in Holland. The organization has recently changed its name to Reach For Recovery, and its representative, Dave Teater, presented an update on Reach’s current activities.

OAR/Reach is well known to this club both professionally and, in some cases, personally; not only through the CRC but through its out-patient services. Unfortunately, their services are in as much demand as ever. Alcohol and drug addictions are diseases which “takes.” It takes away self-respect, willpower, relationships, assets and licenses to name a few. And once acquired it is chronic; it never goes away. While it has always been deadly, the introduction of Fentanyl, drugs can become an instant killer. In fact, over 100,000 died from Fentanyl overdoses in 2021. The lack of governmental action to stem the flow of this drug has only compounded work of agencies like OAR/Reach.

The CRC houses 14 Men. OAR/Reach opened a similar facility for women, including women with children, known as Harbor House. HH serves 12 and both facilities are at capacity. The duration of the average stay is 60 to 90 days. OAR/Reach’s out-patient services include group and individual counseling and treatment, intensive out-patient treatment, and medication assisted treatment. While quitting alcohol involves more physically related withdrawal, the withdrawal from drug addiction is more of a mental reaction and requires other drugs to modulate that risk. Methadone has a long history of use in this area but carries with it some risk. A new drug called Suboxone seem to be working much better. Out-patient services also extend to the community in areas such as family counseling, Victims impact services and automobile highway safety.

To run all of these programs takes money. Insurance reimbursement rates do not cover all the costs. OAR/Reach has stayed away from corporate sponsors because they have found that the ensuing relationship skews the organization away from the people their mission statement targets for assistance. Therefore, fundraising is always a challenge now obsolescence has necessitated and additional Capital Campaign. The goal is $200,000. Of course, Dave and the organization is looking for all the help it can get!

Thanks to Dave for and informative program.

RAW

Raffle winner: Ernie P.

This week, I was off for a few days away with family - annual deer camp with my brother and my Mom's husband. My Mom has 80 acres - 20 of which is wooded - and its right there at their house.  What does that mean?  It means everyone in our fam can come - everyone can hunt - and those that don't hunt can hang out in the house eating good food and playing who knows what with their cousins.  And, best part yet, I got another deer to fill my freezer for the year!

 

This week's joke - What martial arts class did the ghost take?  Kung-boo!