WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One organization in Luzerne County is turning hope into action, with its mission sharing knowledge, support, and resources surrounding addiction.
Addiction touches families from every walk of life.. But one organization in Wilkes-Barre takes strides to turn the tide.
Not with judgment but with knowledge and compassion.
"We believe that education is the key to prevention, so we try to educate people on how not to fall into the trap of substance use disorders," stated Stefanie Wolownik, prevention/education specialist, Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services.
Stefanie Wolownik is the prevention and education specialist with Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services. The organization on North Main Street is an outpatient treatment facility for substance use disorders.. Everything from addiction to drugs, alcohol and even gambling.
"Gambling addiction is unfortunately becoming more and more prominent, especially with our younger males," explained Wolownik.
A lot of Wolownik’s work is speaking with schools and the community about these struggles.. With different ways to help.
A lot of times, they’re speaking on behalf of an awareness month, such as September, which is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder awareness.
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"We also have the drug-affected baby, which is not that month, but it goes hand and hand with it just to tell young people that it doesn’t matter what amount you do, it affects the baby," said Wolownik.
Another one to highlight ‘Sober October’, where drunk goggles are used to make someone feel as if they’re impaired.
"Not just walking the line that I make you walk or catching the ball that I’ll throw at you or something like that, but also, you get behind the wheel of a car, it’s dangerous. You’re taking your life as well as other people's lives in your hands," expressed Wolownik.
Wolownik says she hopes these awareness months start conversations.. And transform lives – to strengthen the fabric of our communities.
If you’re struggling with an addiction or would like to learn more about the Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, resources can be found on their website.
