Rally supports Idahoans in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction

September marks National Recovery Month and hundreds of Idahoans showed up to a recovery celebration Monday to support people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

One of the most important parts of the event was to help get rid of the stigma surrounding both addiction and mental illness. One sign read, “Addiction is not a choice, but recovery is”. 

A majority of people who showed up have been personally impacted by addiction at some point in their lives. Others came to show support for friends and family. Each person agreed recovery is a community effort, and the more support people have from their peers, the more successful their recovery will be. 

"There's something so powerful about peer to peer support. When you're talking to someone who's been there and knows what you're going through right now and can show you it is possible to be in recovery and give you hope, that's what it's all about," Monica Forbes with the P.E.E.R. Wellness Center said.

The main message Monday was recovery is not only possible but worth celebrating.