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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania, with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Pennsylvania, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
September marks National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about addiction recovery and supporting those affected by substance use disorders (SUD). In alignment with this important initiative, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), in collaboration with Penn State Harrisburg’s Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research, hosted a poignant event on September 24, 2024—a free documentary screening of the film "Our American Family."
The Penn Watch news site reported that the documentary "Our American Family" offers an unflinching look at the devastating effects of generational addiction within a Philadelphia household. It chronicles the experiences of five family members as they confront the realities of SUD, both past and present. The film highlights the raw, unfiltered conversations between family members at their kitchen table as they seek to heal old wounds, rebuild trust, and find a way out of the cycle of addiction.
In many ways, the family’s story mirrors that of thousands of others across the country, struggling with the relentless grip of addiction. For Linda Geraghty, the mother featured in the documentary, the opportunity to share her family’s journey on screen was not just about telling their story—it was about igniting essential conversations around the power of transparency in recovery.
“The disease of addiction is relentless. While we’re preoccupied with concealing it, it works tirelessly to tear our families apart,” said Geraghty. “I’m grateful for every chance to drag it out into the light through these crucial conversations.”
The screening was more than just a viewing experience; it was a platform to tackle one of the most significant barriers to recovery—stigma. For many, the shame surrounding SUD prevents individuals from seeking help, discussing their struggles, or accessing treatment. To confront this issue head-on, the event featured a post-screening “kitchen table talk” on stigma reduction, with Geraghty joining DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones and Dr. Weston Kensinger, Director of the Pollock Center.
“We know that stigma is still a barrier when it comes to individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder, or even talking about it,” explained Dr. Davis-Jones. “This Recovery Month event was an opportunity to really dive into the power of story sharing and flip the script on stigma, whether it’s the brave individuals sharing through Life Unites Us, or it’s Linda Geraghty having a film crew follow her and her family’s SUD journey for a year.”
One of the key takeaways from the event was the vital role that ongoing dialogue plays in combating SUD-related stigma. By normalizing conversations about addiction, communities can dismantle the harmful stereotypes that isolate those living with SUD. Both the screening of "Our American Family" and the broader efforts of the Life Unites Us campaign serve as reminders that recovery is a journey shared not just by individuals but by families, friends, and communities.
If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery for help. Our experienced addiction specialists will help you turn your life around in a caring and non-judgmental atmosphere. Contact us today to begin your journey to the addiction-free future you deserve.