33rd Annual March for People in Recovery from Addiction

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Second Chance Opportunities, a community center for recovering addicts, hosted the 33rd annual Albany County Treatment Works March to celebrate those in treatment and in full recovery from addiction. Nearly 10 different organizations came together Thursday to support those achieving milestones in their lives.

Erica Cecala, executive assistant at Second Chances Opportunities, said it’s important to recognize the accomplishments of people in treatment and those currently recovering from addiction and encourage people to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.

“It’s really incredible,” Cecala said. “It’s all of our local treatment centers coming together with people who are currently in treatment to recover from drug addiction. People who have been in recovery for five, 10, 20, 30 years. Just to show the community that recovery works and that recovery is possible.”

The march took place after a ceremony where recovery coaches and those who run local community centers offered words of encouragement and praise to those who had achieved goals of sobriety and treatment. About 200 people attended the march and for some, like Ashley Carey, who are currently in recovery, the support means everything.

“I got my year clean two days ago,” Carey said. “It just means a lot to me. You get so close to these people.”

City officials, such as Police Chief Eric Hawkins, were also on hand to support those in recovery and seeking treatment, noting that substance abuse is a problem in the city.

“It’s incredibly important because we see so many people overdosing; some of them dying as a result,” Hawkins said. “And it’s really damaging to our communities and families, so it’s important that we help these people. It’s important that they recover and transform.”

The event was sponsored by Albany County STOP-DWI, City of Albany, County of Albany and Albany County Prevention and Treatment Providers. Organizers also said the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of Hope House, The Addictions Care Center of Albany and The Hive of Hope, among other organizations.