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Every year, the Queen City is host to a number of foot races that raise money and support for various charitable causes supporting health, social and other area causes. They raise community awareness and help fund services to aid folks affected by illnesses and other traumas affecting their everyday lives.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, Wellspring, a local agency that for more than 50 years has provided area services for treatment and recovery for men and women and their families struggling with recovery from substance abuse, will hold its ninth annual Race for Recovery at the Bangor waterfront.
Abuse of alcohol and other addictive substances is a public health problem that is impacting the body and very existence of persons struggling with them. It seems as though every day we hear of new and often deadly materials that are being marketed by dealers who prey on vulnerable members of our community whose minds and bodies are seeking new avenues for psychological and physical release.
First came heroin and cocaine. Then fentanyl, to compensate for satisfaction of the cravings no longer obtained from other drugs. Treatment resources are struggling now, to counter the often deadly results from these mixes as new chemicals come along. These purveyors of sickness and death know well what they’re doing. Now in the spotlight is xylazine, with the street name of “Tranq,” which can lead to death and for which there is as yet no antidote. A new high leading to a new low.
The ripple effect, like a pebble in a pond, leads to tragedy on all community levels from the addicted to their families and friends, to employers, service agencies, law enforcement, to the entire community.
There are few of us who don’t know of someone afflicted whose lives become a shadow.
If you enjoy running, walking or just rooting for those involved, please plan to come to Wellpring’s Race for Recovery on Sept. 15. Pre-registration at the waterfront at 9 a.m. There is nothing compared to the feeling of satisfaction with which you’ll walk away!
Bill Shook
Bangor
