Voices of Addiction & Recovery Symposium - Culpeper Overdose Awareness

I was grateful to participate in the Voices of Addiction & Recovery Symposium. Co-hosted by the Windmore Foundation for the Arts, it’s goal was to share the challenges that someone with addiction faces and the reality that there is hope – recovery is possible.

Ralisha Banks reads a poem she wrote titled “She is Me”. It’s raw honesty impacted listeners.

The Symposium included a panel discussion with Culpeper Police Captain Tim Chilton, local Medication Assisted Treatment provider Dr. DeRoo, Prevention Specialist Alan Rasmussen with the Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services, and myself, representing Culpeper Overdose Awareness and families who’ve lost a loved one to addiction.

Rebecca Fleming reads the poem “My-Master” at the Voices of Addiction and Recovery Symposium

Interspersed among panel discussions were readings of poetry that convey the struggle and depth of pain addiction brings. Community member Ralisha Banks read a poem she authored, “She Is Me,” sharing her experience of growing up in a home with abuse and drug addiction, a pattern that showed up in her own adult life. Her words were the most powerful of the night.

A display of art made by folks in recovery or still struggling with drug abuse was on display, and community resources were on hand for everyone to take.

Read the full story by Allison Brophy Champion at The Culpeper Star Exponent.