OhioCAN hosts "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" event in Salem
In Youngstown, Salem and across Ohio, events were held Saturday to increase awareness about treatment options in communities in light of the opioid epidemic.
SALEM, Ohio - In Youngstown, Salem and across Ohio, events were held Saturday to increase awareness about treatment options in communities in light of the opioid epidemic.
At the "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" event, parents and people who love someone battling addition can find hope.
Tomas Santiago battled addiction for decades coming from a dysfunctional home and life on the streets.
He credits his wife for believing in him, his faith in Jesus Christ and hard work by himself to stay sober 768 days.
"You need to be accountable, you just can't go to a program and say, you're done in 30 days and go home," said Santiago. "You need something where someone is going to hold you accountable, meetings, drug tests, counseling, and you really need to find out why you turned to drugs in the first place. My advice is to delete the phone numbers of other users you once hung out with because they may try to get to use again. It only takes once."
Ohio Change addiction Now, known as OhioCAN, was co-founded by a mom whose two children have struggled with addiction.
Brenda Hamilton says loving someone addicted can be a lonely road to travel.
We bring a family voice to addiction and recovery. We want to let everyone know that you have somewhere to go. Anyone can reach out to us at any time and we will help anybody," said Hamilton. "This day is about letting people know about resources in the community that can help."
The shoes at the event represented the 48 lives lost in Columbiana County due to drug overdoses from opiates and other drugs this past year.
"We encourage people to walk a mile in our shoes. It may be easy to judge, but until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes you never know what it feels like," said Hamilton. "The numbers are down so I think more people are getting the message. More families are coming out of the closet and reaching for help for themselves and their children. Addiction doesn't discriminate, it can knock on anyone's door."
At the event butterflies, were released in memory of those who have lost loved ones.
The family centered approach is believed to be working in Columbiana County, where there were fewer overdose deaths last year.
"Never give up, never lose hope and you're not alone," said Hamilton.
