NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Recovery is more than leaving addiction behind; it’s rediscovering strength, hope, and the chance of a brighter future.
The hustle and bustle of being a college student can lead to many obstacles and stress.
But for students inside the Arei building at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, many of them are already battling challenges of their own.
“The AllOne Recovery Educational Institute will help students go back to school that are in sobriety from active addiction, and six months and beyond, it helps them get degrees,” said certified recovery/intake specialist at LCCC, James Monahan.
Monahan is a certified recovery and intake specialist with the program that currently helps nearly 50 students.
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The program hits home for him, as he went through it himself.
“I was in active addiction for 25 years, and when I finally raised my hand and said, ‘I need help,’ this was almost five years ago. I’m coming up on five years of my own sobriety, and it saved my life because I opened my mouth and asked for that help,” shared Monahan.
Monahan says it helped get his life back on track, even starting the "Stay Strong! Student Support Club" when he was enrolled.
“When students walk in, like myself, they have no hope, and when a program like this helps them break those barriers, it gives them hope to continue not just their education, but their life,” said Monahan.
While the month of September marks National Recovery Month, Monahan says providing support to those who need it and having conversations to end the stigma of sobriety are ways to raise awareness.
“If I didn’t have my parents, if I didn’t have my brother and sister, my girlfriend Raven, people in my support group, my sponsor, this would not be possible,” shared Monahan.
Now using his own recovery journey to help others, he says if you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to speak up.
“There’s ways to help by opening your mouth and asking for the help, it’s just you have to be brave enough to do that,” said Monahan.
Happening through 1 p.m. on Monday, the Luzerne County Community College is hosting a community resource fair at its gymnasium, with more than 30 community support agencies attending.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re urged to call the 24/7 Substance Abuse and Addiction Hotline at 1-844-289-0879.
