September is National Recovery Month. This is a time when communities from all over the country come together to celebrate those who are in recovery from drug and/or alcohol abuse, and when we all acknowledge the difficult path one may have taken to find recovery. And, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, it is also a time to “promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and…the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.”

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On September 4, 2021, the Rage Against Addiction team held our first Shrimp and Bull Roast in Edgewood, Maryland. We had about 200 people in attendance, including Harford County (Maryland) Executive Barry Glassman, who said, “in the light of recovery, we’re all diamonds…we are all gems, no matter what we’ve been through.” Others in attendance were from local businesses; some were family members of those struggling with addiction, and some even lost a loved one to addiction. However, most of our guests were in different stages of recovery and it was a beautiful thing to be surrounded by individuals who overcame some of the toughest times in their lives. We had the honor of speaking with dedicated and compassionate sponsors, and with those who achieved recovery through various forms including medication-assisted treatment (M.A.T.), rehabilitation facilities, sober living houses, and incarceration. “Recovery has given me so many blessings that it’s still unbelievable to me!” said one guest. Another guest was just “thrilled to be alive after so many years of wondering if I’d wake up the next day.”

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We proved that anyone could have fun without alcohol. Among the delicious beef, shrimp, pasta, salad, and dessert options that were offered, beverages included soda, tea, juice, water, and coffee. Alcohol was not served, and we still had a ballroom filled with smiling and dancing people! Our sponsors included Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, Addiction Connections Resource, and Marked Improvements, and several area businesses donated amazing items for our silent auction and basket raffles including restaurant and salon gift cards, and admission passes to amusement parks, a Ravens game, and local gardens and golf courses. We also received many self-care products from salons and wellness centers as well as sessions for photography, reiki, and massages. Local individuals donated sports memorabilia and essential oils, and other supporters created various baskets that included coffee, mugs, blankets, candles, and décor. We had a 50/50 raffle where the winner generously donated her earnings back to Rage in memory of her dear brother, and we had a prize wheel that had people excitedly surrounding the table all evening. The music and DJ services were kindly donated by The Perfect Beat, and Coffee Coffee of Bel Air, Maryland provided guests with tasty fall inspired flavors.

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This event was a year in the making, and with the ever-changing Covid regulations, we were nervous we would not be able to make it happen. But through the amazing kindness of our supporters, we pulled off an inspirational evening – one that was perfect for a Labor Day weekend where many get-togethers serve alcohol. We wanted to ensure our guests, particularly those in recovery, had a safe and comfortable opportunity to enjoy delicious food, great company, and fun games without the presence of alcohol.

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As we always say: we cannot help others alone. We cannot end the stigma of addiction alone. We cannot continue our mission and programs without others supporting us. We want to extend our most sincere appreciation to EVERYONE who made our Shrimp and Bull Roast the success that it was. WE DO RECOVER!