Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Recovery from addiction requires one to ‘Let it Go’
Lauren Staub, perhaps unknowingly, offered a perfect song during City of Angels’ annual pancake breakfast fundraiser.
Staub, dressed as Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen,” performed that film’s popular tune “Let It Go.”
Letting go and letting God or a higher power remains an important premise for addiction recovery success. People trapped by addiction and even those who seek rescue struggle with the past. So, letting go, represents an acceptance of mistakes, bad decisions and understanding our existence as humans.
Stepping onto the wonderful path of recovery offers a new start, not to change the past but to accept our behaviors and actions then resolving to make amends when possible.
Recovery means positive change tethered to promises that inspire recovering addicts to accept life on life’s terms without a need for the distortions of drugs, sex, alcohol or whatever way we previously dealt with existence.
Staub attracted an up close and personal child audience, an affection enhanced by her gift of fake snow that filled small hands, although adults appreciated her rendition.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar on Route 33 in Hamilton hosted the Sunday morning event.
Volunteers, many who contribute time for several City of Angels initiatives, served a steady flow of breakfast for COA supporters in attendance.
Addiction, no longer considered an urban issue, rampages through suburban neighborhoods and homes.
Opioid and other prescription medication abuses dominate news broadcasts although alcohol addiction remains a major human threat.
Staub, 22, a Miss New Jersey contestant after being crowned Miss Ramapo Valley, established a platform that focuses on “The Growing Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse in the United States.”
“I had a close friend who died from a drug overdose. And that pointed me in the direction of addiction as my pageant platform,” Staub explained.
“I’ve worked to make myself as knowledgeable as possible about addiction. I want to work toward removing the stigma that connects to addiction. It could happen to anyone.”
The Montclair State University graduate connected with City of Angels members and guests who have suffered drug overdoses, Naloxone revivals, death, plus, all pain and suffering connected to addiction.
Miracles occur also as many people recover, including a young couple inside Applebee’s who work their recovery programs while raising a young daughter.
City of Angels helped rescue them with free services including interventions, recovery support and other programs that build stable lifestyles.
COA works with anyone needing help with addiction, whether or not they have health insurance.
People who know about addiction understand that drug abuse allows equal opportunity for any person.
That comprehension should deconstruct social, financial and political barriers that cause havoc.
People trapped by addiction and family members who deal with this disease, share common emotions, stories, good moments and diaster. We become one ginormous family.
People do recover, gain freedom from the past and move toward promising futures.
As Staub sang, “I’m never going back, the past is in the past. Let it go, let it go. And I’ll rise like the break of dawn.” L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@ trentonian.com. Follow on Twitter@laparker6.