![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/5-Kathleen-Hodgins-Director-of-Treatment-Services-GCASA-Narcon-Training.jpg?fit=900%2C600\")
\u201cThe face of addiction has changed,\u201d remarked Kathleen Hodgins, Director of Treatment Services at Genesee\/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, in Albion, N.Y. \u201cYou never know where you\u2019re going to need a Narcan kit,\u201d she stated, explaining further that opiate addiction no longer restricts itself with any socio-economic boundaries. Anyone, anywhere, is at risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kyle Ruggeri, a recovering cocaine and heroin addict, was a key speaker at the event, sharing his thoughts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI feel like everyone has kind of got a different path to recovery. So, I think events like this are great because it might be a parent you connect with, or the 12 step program, or just one particular person in recovery you wouldn\u2019t have met otherwise.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ruggeri, who kicked his habit two years ago, relies on these engagements organized through his online group, Sober Dogs, in order to stay clean. He shared some words to anyone still struggling with addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is hope. It doesn\u2019t matter how bad you think it is, or how bad your addiction is, there is hope. There is someone out there who has been through the same thing, so speak up, and someone will hear you.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Case Manager at GCASA, Kim Lockwood, noted her thoughts on drug-ring leaders pedaling narcotics, like fentanyl, purely for profit. The dealers at the top of the pyramid, who are not addicted themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf they can lay down at night knowing they kill people, then an eye for an eye. If they aren\u2019t embroiled in addiction themselves, and are doing this purely for profit, then an eye for an eye is how I feel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The free event had several speakers talk about life in recovery, there was also a bounce house and games for kids and music provided by the Midnight Cruisers along with food for purchase from Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone who participated in the Narcan Training received a Narcan kit provided by Orleans-Recovery Hope Begins Here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Story and photos by James Sinner Activists, treatment representatives, those in recovery, and loved ones of those passed-on, gathered Saturday afternoon; offering support, information and resources at the 1st annual Celebrate Orleans Recovery Day at State Street Park which was sponsored by Orleans-Recovery Hope Begins Here, whose goals are to \u2026<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/22-Kyle-Ruggeri-of-Sober-Dogs-addicts-services-organization-with-large-online-presence-speaks-with-attendee-about-offering-his-speaking-services-on-recovery-to-other-groups-in-the-area..jpg?fit=900%2C600\")