'Heroin Art Exhbit' at Sussex County Community College celebrates recovery 'Heroin Art Exhbit' at Sussex County Community College celebrates recovery
Newton — September is National Recovery Month ,www.recoverymonth.org, which aims to bring awareness to the millions of people and families with substance use and mental health disorders in the United States.
Individual and family recovery is enhanced by many of the same healing activities used to treat other diseases.
Music, exercise and art therapy increase health and well-being creating positive experiences, promoting a greater connection to one’s inner-self.
Last July, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and Partnership for Drug-Free New Jersey announced a “Heroin Art Exhibit Contest,” last July.
The response from New Jersey state residents was impressive.
Jessica Gonzalez, Demand Reduction Coordinator of DEA New Jersey Division spearheaded the innovative contest and received 32 works of art.
“We were thrilled at the overwhelming response to this project and even more to the public’s expression of their experiences,” said Gonzalez.
After an initial and successful debut of the Heroin Addiction Art Exhibit in Newark at the Gateway 2 Center Art Gallery, the artwork was transferred to Sussex County Community College’s (SCCC) Performing Arts Center Atrium through the collaborative efforts of Annmarie Shafer, N.J .Recovery Advocate and Coordinator of The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of The Center for Prevention and Counseling (The Center) in Newton.
Mary Jo Mathias, Director of the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council, DEA representatives and employees of The Center worked to hang the art pieces which will be displayed throughout September and into October at the college.
A celebratory opening night “Heroin Art Exhibit” reception will be held at the SCCC Performing Arts Atrium on Friday, Sept.18, from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
It is open to the public and light refreshments will be served.
By 2020, mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide.
According to research that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods, most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.
Research also shows that family supports play a major role in helping to prevent mental and/or substance use disorders, identifying when someone has a problem, and connecting those in need with treatment resources and services they need to begin and stay on their recovery journey.
In Sussex County, The Center for Prevention and Counseling provides prevention, treatment and recovery services to people and families with substance use disorders through a variety of programs.
To learn more about local prevention efforts or to RSVP for the art exhibit reception, contact Annmarie Shafer at annmarie@centerforprevention.org or call (973)383-4787 ext. 240.
A few works of 'heroin art' on display at a special exhibit.