More than 23 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in the United States in 2007, and last year in Missouri alone, an estimated 477,000 people, roughly 10% of the population, and their families were affected by this disease.  Many people do not understand that addiction is treatable, and this misconception can keep people from getting help. National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September to promote the message that substance abuse is treatable and recovery is possible.  

September 18, in observance of Recovery Month, Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH) hosted an arts and substance abuse awareness festival at the Faith United Methodist Church in St. Charles.   The festival, entitled "Project Change: Embrace Recovery", featured poetry, music and art created by youth in PFH's prevention and treatment programs in their A.R.T.C. program (Achieving Recovery Through Creativity).  A.R.T.C. taps into the talents of youth, using visual arts, creative writing and music as alternative means of expression, and a healing experience that can be less threatening than traditional therapies. 

Recovery-themed art was displayed, and a program featuring original poetry readings, rap music and an acoustical guitar performance were highlights of the festival.  A 15-year old featured guitarist had never played until attending Preferred Family Healthcare's treatment program.  He learned how to play several songs in two months and now plans to use his new hobby as a tool to assist him remaining substance free.   Two other youth painted to music during the festival and created pieces entitled "Addiction" and "Recovery".  Following the performances, the festival attendees released bubbles in honor of those who successfully transformed their lives through recovery and mourned those who lost their battle with addiction. 

Preferred Family Healthcare has been serving the needs of Missouri citizens for over 30 years, as a non-profit agency providing mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services for both youth and adults throughout Missouri, and in Kansas and Texas.   In addition to PFH, the festival was sponsored by the Methodist Church, International Motor Company and Studio 1.

For more information go to the company website http://www.pfh.org.

Questions can be directed to Kasey Harlin, A.R.T.C. Program Director at kharlin@pfh.org.