National Library of Addictions hosts Common Ground Today 2010
The annual NLA gathering is the kick-off event in Boston for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Prominent personalities from around the nation were in attendance.
- Boston, MA-NH (1888PressRelease) September 04, 2010 - The National Library of Addictions (NLA) hosted its annual Common Ground Today 2010 on September 1 to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who are in recovery from drug and alcohol related addictions. The event was graced by renowned individuals from the Greater Boston area and around the nation. Prominent personalities like JudyAnn Bigby, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services, Richard Beardsley, Boston Marathon runner and inspirational speaker and Loren Galler-Rabinowitz, Miss Massachusetts 2010 were in attendance.
"Common Ground Today is about recognizing those who are in recovery from addictions," said NLA Founder Dr. Punyamurtula Kishore. "Recovery is not an easy task, however; with education, good medical care, and community support, people with the disease of addiction can begin their journey toward a healthier lifestyle."
Community leaders, medical providers, well-wishers of the cause, and those with a deep interest in addiction medicine and treatment gather together every year to express support and hope in the war against addiction. This year was particularly of significance as Common Ground Today 2010 was the kick-off event in Boston for National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Recovery Month aims to promote the societal benefits of recovery treatment, acknowledge treatment providers and promote the message that recovery is possible.
The event began with National Library of Addictions Founder Punyamurtula Kishore MD MPH, talking about the history of Common Ground and how it began five years ago with only a handful of people. He then went on to speak about how prevalent addiction is in society and how government-sanctioned programs like National Recovery Month are beneficial to the community. Executive Director of the National Library of Addiction, Robert Zapf, went into detail as to what the National Library of Addictions seeks to accomplish.
Miss Massachusetts 2010 Loren Galler-Rabinowitz, spoke about how children have such easy access to illicit drugs, prescription drugs and alcohol. She also addressed the necessity to educate children at a young age to prevent them from falling to addiction and substance abuse. Ms. Galler-Rabinowitz spoke about the importance of community support when battling a disease like addiction.
Perhaps the most moving speech came from Dick Beardsley, an internationally-known marathon runner, an inspirational speaker, and a former addict. Mr. Beardsley recounted his experiences as an international marathon runner and then as a dairy farmer. He spoke about a near fatal accident that started his downward spiral toward prescription drug addiction. Mr. Beardsley told the audience about his encouraging march to recovery. His final remarks were that although recovery is difficult, one should not give up hope.
JudyAnn Bigby, the Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services spoke about state government initiatives toward recovery. She talked about the progress that the administration is making in regards to taxing on alcohol, prescription drug compliance and finance toward recovery efforts.
Over a hundred people were in attendance at Common Ground Today 2010. Violinists were provided by Berklee College of Music and corporate sponsors included Trader Joe's, Boston TAJ, Alkermes, Century Bank, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Audy's Village Mobil, Central Printing, Anthony's of Malden, Quirk Chevrolet, and Preventive Medicine Associates, Inc.
About the National Library of Addictions
Founded in 1993 by Dr. P.S. Kishore, the National Library of Addiction is a non-profit, intellectual gathering place for health care professional and community members who are working to overcome the effects of addictions. The Library serves as a research facility, continuing medical educational institute, and a place for professionals to exchange ideas and develop treatment methodologies.
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