Story Published: Sep 20, 2009 at 10:20 AM PST
Story Updated: Sep 20, 2009 at 10:20 AM PST
"What we are trying to do is a prevention event to show families that there is fun for families without drugs or alcohol and to also show the number of lives that are touched by addictions, whether it is alcohol or other substances and also to show others that there is hope in recovery,” said Sherry Greenup, Asotin County Substance Abuse/Mental Health Coordinator.
There were speeches by those touched by alcohol and other drugs. Greenup says addiction is a huge problem in the Valley.
“It's a very inter-generational, especially alcohol. It's been seen as a right of passage and ‘at least my kids aren't doing drugs’ kind of thing, but I think that most people do know somebody, a lot of people are really good at hiding it, whether it is a neighbor or family friend or a spouse or sibling. 1 in 5, at least, they say are touched by alcoholism.”
Greenup said she has heard lots of stories over the years, but it was an addicted child that really touched her.
“One was from a 12-year-old who was already in treatment for addictions.” Greenup said. “And the reason that she was in treatment for addictions was that her family encouraged her and shared it with her. It's part of what they did and she was strong enough to say I don't want to do this anymore and went out for treatment and so for me it was a really touching story to go ‘wow that young.’”
