Downtown Pittsburgh held its first ever Recovery Walk September 10, 2016, and ButlerFirstStep (BFS) participants joined in the celebration. The BFS team included Butler County community support group members, individuals in D&A recovery, other interested community members, and county and human service provider employees. Key speakers included PA Drug & Alcohol Secretary Gary Tennis, Allegheny County D&A Director Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Mayor Bill Peduto, City Council President Bruce Kraus, Dr. Peter Luongo, as well as local entertainer Billy Price. Along with approximately 100 individuals and 20+ other teams, the BFS team marched down Liberty Avenue to Market Square where a “recovery expo” including activities, speakers, music, dancing, and entertainment commenced; all in celebration of the many roads to recovery from addiction.

Recovery is…
Recovery from substance use disorders is a highly individualized process that requires abstinence from all mood altering substances, except those that are appropriately prescribed and taken. This process also includes the pursuit of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well-being.