33rd annual march held for those in recovery, treatment from addiction

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Second Chance Opportunities, a community center for recovering addicts, hosted the 33rd Annual Albany County Treatment Works March to celebrate those in treatment and who have fully recovered from addiction. Nearly 10 different organizations came together on Thursday to support those who are making milestones in their lives.

 Erica Cecala, the Executive Assistant at Second Chances Opportunities, said it is important to recognize the accomplishments of those in treatment and who are currently recovering from addiction and encourage individuals to lead a life that is drug-free and alcohol-free.

“It’s pretty unbelievable," Cecala said. "It’s all of our local treatment facilities coming together with people who are currently in treatment recovering from substance abuse disorder. People who have been in recovery five, 10, 20, 30 years. Just kind of showing the community that recovery works and recovery is possible.”

The march took place after a ceremony was held, where recovery coaches and those leading the local community centers gave words of encouragement and awards to those who have fulfilled goals of sobriety and treatment. About 200 people attended the march, and for some, like Ashley Carey, who are currently in recovery, the support means everything.

“I just hit my year clean two days ago," Carey said. "It just means a lot to me. You get a good bond with these people."

City officials like Police Chief Eric Hawkins were also there in support of those in recovery and seeking treatment, as he said substance abuse is a problem in the city.

"It’s incredibly important because we’re seeing so many individuals who are overdosing; some are dying as a result of that," Hawkins said. "And it is really hurting our communities and hurting our families, so it’s important that we help these individuals. It’s important that they're going through recovery and transformation."

The event was sponsored by Albany County STOP-DWI, City of Albany, County of Albany, and Albany County Prevention and Treatment Providers. Organizers also said the event could not be possible without the help from Hope House, The Addictions Care Center of Albany, and The Hive of Hope, amongst other organizations.