Jim Gillen is the organizer of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Rhode Island, and for him it's personal.
"I'm a person in long-term recovery, which means I haven't used alcohol or other drugs since 1998 and as a result my life has gotten a whole lot better," he said.
The eighth year for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Rhode Island kicked off on Wednesday. Each year, a quilt is unveiled.
"Unfortunately it reminds us of those individuals who have passed away but not to be forgotten. It reminds us of why we do this work," said Craig Stenning of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare.
It's also a reminder that in the midst of hopelessness there is hope for a new beginning that takes courage and love, if you believe and want it.
"I started using at the age of nine. I started using marijuana" said Joyce Bullock, a recovering addict.
Bullock is responsible for two pieces of the quilt.
"I can say I am 68 days clean today, which is beautiful for me because I couldn't get 24 hours to save my life," Bullock said.
Jennifer Remuck was a victim of domestic violence and is also a recovering addict.
"My teeth were knocked out. I've been hung outside windows, thrown down stairs, and using was my only option to hide," she said.
Remuck said she's been clean for three weeks, and trying to get joint custody of her kids.
"I have hope," she said.
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