Despite all the trials and tribulations he’s endured through the disease of addiction, Aaron Zink is an illustration that recovery is possible.

Alaina Jacobs offers yet another example that people can in fact turn their lives around.

Both people shared their success stories as the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission hosted its 11th annual Recovery Celebration Thursday on the grounds of the commission’s Carbon Office in Lehighton.

Jamie Drake, executive director, Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission, said the purpose of the event was to minimize the stereotypes that the community has in regard to addiction, as well as the struggles those with the disease of addiction face on a daily basis.

“Whether it’s a day or 25 years in recovery (the staff), spends so much time focusing on substance abuse disorder,” Drake said. “It’s to let them know that recovery matters, and it’s possible for them.”

Drake then shared a statistic that there was a total of 239 years, seven months, one week and two days worth of recovery present at the event.

She also took a moment to acknowledge the staff, for whom she said, “We celebrate the day with you.”

Carbon County Commissioners Rocky Ahner and Wayne Nothstein were among those on hand.

Ahner thanked everyone for attending the event and said he was impressed with the turnout.

“This is amazing to see this many people here,” Ahner said. “Right now the county is working on things for anybody looking for help.”

Ahner said that includes working on grants, as well as filming a commercial that should be able to be viewed by the end of October.

“The number one thing is education,” he said. “We want to wipe this (the disease of addiction) out.”

Ahner stressed that they were there to help everybody who struggles with the disease of addiction.

“Hopefully we don’t have to have anybody raising their hand that they got clean,” he said. “Hopefully we can get rid of this.”

In addition to speakers, the event included food trucks, vendors, and hopes to raise awareness about the disease of addiction and that recovery is possible.

The event also aimed to minimize the stereotypes that the community has in regard to addiction and the struggles those with the disease of addiction face on a daily basis.

The community, including drug and alcohol professionals, medical professionals, grandparents, parents, children and others who have been directly and indirectly affected by substance use were present to shed light on the struggles of the disease.

Their stories

Zink, of Weatherly, shared that while he’s been clean for close to four years, the struggle is real.

One important trait Zink said his recovery has taught him is that it’s helped him recognize his own value.

Zink said he’s made it to the point where he’s now able to coach his son who plays basketball.

“This stuff is possible,” Zink said. “Just change your mind.”

Zink added it’s about discovering your core values.

“I had to look at myself, question what do I believe in,” he said. “I try to contribute as much as I can (to) the growth and development of people.”

Jacobs, of Lansford, who said she’s been clean four about 4 1/2 years, shared a similar story.

“I went though Carbon County Drug Court,” Jacobs said. “It was a rough journey.”

Jacobs said her daughter was enough to get her into rehab.

“If anything, I’m proof that anybody can recover,” she said.

Now in college and on the dean’s list, Jacobs said it’s never too late to overcome the disease of addiction.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” she said. “Good things come if you believe in yourself.”

Drake said that help is available even for people who don’t have insurance.

She said they may reach out to the after hours 24/7 number by calling 1-866-824-3578.