People who arein recovery get 'Back on Track'
Trying to keep warm and dry, his arms wrapped around himself, Robert Heather of Omaha was one of about 50 people who endured wet weather Saturday morning to celebrate sobriety.
The first Moment of Serenity began on the north steps of the state Capitol. The event was part of Back On Track, a movement to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse.
Heather, 32, said he's been off meth about a month, since beginning a treatment program in Lincoln.
In that time, he said, he's learned that people in recovery are stronger than other people because of what they overcome.
"I think I can accomplish anything now," Heather said.
Topher Hansen, executive director of CenterPointe, said addictions should be viewed like other diseases, such as cancer or diabetes. That way, the stigma won't discourage people from admitting their problems and seeking treatment.
"We have to break the moral judgment around addiction," he said. "It's OK to be in recovery and in treatment."
At the Capitol, two women spoke about their experiences going through what Hansen called the muck and mire of addiction.
One woman laughed and said Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady probably remembered the person she used to be.
Casady, who also spoke, said people he picked up years ago for a drug charge or drunken driving often thank him for helping them begin their journey on the road to recovery.
Later, at a picnic at Antelope Park, Curtis Smith of Lincoln agreed that sometimes it takes getting into the back seat of a patrol car to wake up.
The 38-year-old plumber said he started drinking again after 13 years of sobriety. Eventually, he was arrested for selling marijuana.
He opted for drug court rather than probation or jail. Smith said the 54 weeks of treatment, classes and community service changed his life. He even gave up cigarettes.
Smith said he is vice president of the local drug court alumni association.
Finding more help for substance abusers is another objective of Back On Track.
Hansen talked about CenterPointe's plans to move to a new building at 26th and P streets.
Groundbreaking has been scheduled for May 6. He said it will be open in about a year.
The building will house administration and 20 patient beds, even though there is only money for eight now.
"We designed it for tomorrow," he said.
Reach Crystal K. Wiebe at 473-7395 or cwiebe@;journalstar.com.
The first Moment of Serenity began on the north steps of the state Capitol. The event was part of Back On Track, a movement to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse.
Heather, 32, said he's been off meth about a month, since beginning a treatment program in Lincoln.
In that time, he said, he's learned that people in recovery are stronger than other people because of what they overcome.
"I think I can accomplish anything now," Heather said.
Topher Hansen, executive director of CenterPointe, said addictions should be viewed like other diseases, such as cancer or diabetes. That way, the stigma won't discourage people from admitting their problems and seeking treatment.
"We have to break the moral judgment around addiction," he said. "It's OK to be in recovery and in treatment."
At the Capitol, two women spoke about their experiences going through what Hansen called the muck and mire of addiction.
One woman laughed and said Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady probably remembered the person she used to be.
Casady, who also spoke, said people he picked up years ago for a drug charge or drunken driving often thank him for helping them begin their journey on the road to recovery.
Later, at a picnic at Antelope Park, Curtis Smith of Lincoln agreed that sometimes it takes getting into the back seat of a patrol car to wake up.
The 38-year-old plumber said he started drinking again after 13 years of sobriety. Eventually, he was arrested for selling marijuana.
He opted for drug court rather than probation or jail. Smith said the 54 weeks of treatment, classes and community service changed his life. He even gave up cigarettes.
Smith said he is vice president of the local drug court alumni association.
Finding more help for substance abusers is another objective of Back On Track.
Hansen talked about CenterPointe's plans to move to a new building at 26th and P streets.
Groundbreaking has been scheduled for May 6. He said it will be open in about a year.
The building will house administration and 20 patient beds, even though there is only money for eight now.
"We designed it for tomorrow," he said.
Reach Crystal K. Wiebe at 473-7395 or cwiebe@;journalstar.com.
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