NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As "National Recovery Month" wraps up, people from across Nashville showed their support to those who have struggled with substance abuse. RecoveryFest Nashville was held on Saturday to celebrate the positive impact of recovery from substance abuse and giving recovery the visibility it deserves.
"We need to recover out loud and events like this that bring recovery out in the open and helps break down stigma and shame of getting help is important," said Cindy Spelta, co-chair of RecoveryFest Nashville, "there's too many people suffering in silence so we don't need recovery to be in silence."
Spelta has been recovering for 17 years. She said part of recovery is knowing you're not alone, that there is a community behind you and resources available to you.
At this event there were dozens of vendors with information regarding help and recovery, music and guest speakers. The event was held at East Park Greenspace and was free to the public.
Tennessee is one of the hardest-hit states when it comes to the opioid crisis. There were 1,268 opioid overdose deaths in Tennessee in 2017 and more than six million painkiller prescriptions in 2018.
If you are struggling with addiction call TN Redline at 1-800-889-9789. All calls are confidential. You can also visit the Tennessee Association for Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services website, otherwise known as TAADAS.
