EVENT EMPHASIZES HELP FOR ADDICTIONS

Monthlong National Campaign Intended To Show Available Support

One hundred fifty-six days into his recovery from alcohol and drug
addiction, Desmond laughs a little differently.

"I laughed before because I had a belly full of liquor," the 16-year-old
recalled. "Now I laugh because I'm happy."

Desmond, of Charlotte, has not been sober this long since he was 12. He
just started school again after dropping out in a fog of beer, hard liquor
and pot.

"I realized one day I couldn't stop. I would say I'll just drink three
shots to loosen up. Before I knew it, the bottle was empty."

Desmond was one of several speakers, including two other teens, who shared
their personal stories Monday at an uptown event designed to kick off
National Recovery Month. Organizers said several agencies in the Carolinas
have planned similar events to increase public awareness about addiction.

Tony Mulvihill, executive director of the Durham-based Alcohol/Drug Council
of North Carolina, said he hoped the monthlong campaign would dispel some
common myths about addiction.

"People know they can arrest diabetes, hypertension and many other
diseases," Mulvihill said. "But many people don't realize they can stop
addiction."

The council estimates more than 750,000 people in North Carolina - about 10
percent of the population - will become alcoholics or addicts. The group
estimates more than 3 million people, including relatives and co-workers,
are affected by abusers of drugs and alcohol.

Susan Rook, spokeswoman for Step One, a substance abuse treatment center in
Winston-Salem, is the former host of CNN's Talk Back Live. Years ago she
could not get through an 8-hour shift without taking a drink.

"Recovery brings back what addiction takes away," Rook told about 50 people
at the Adam's Mark Hotel Monday. "It brings back health, happiness,
self-esteem, self-worth and husbands."

Experts say few addicts get help and the public often remains silent until
someone has been killed, hospitalized or arrested.

More than 9,000 people have been killed in alcohol-related wrecks in North
Carolina since 1985, state records show. A recent study shows about 70
percent of the males arrested in Mecklenburg were under the influence of drugs.

Some, like Emily, an 18-year-old Charlotte woman who also shared her story
Monday, seek treatment several times. She lived on the streets just two
years ago, hunting Ecstasy, alcohol and marijuana highs. Now she attends
college and counsels other addicts.

Charlaina, 16, has been sober for 13 months. She hopes sharing her story
will help others.

"I'm not afraid to tell people about it," Charlaina said. "My experience
gives me courage."