More than 23 million Americans are living in long-term recovery from an addition to drugs and alcohol. With numbers this astounding, Eastpointe feels the need to raise awareness of substance abuse within Sampson County.

As part of their monthly community education series, Eastpointe will present a public viewing of the documentary film “The Anonymous People,” which addresses the lifestyle of the millions of Americans who are faced with

a problem with addiction and are now in recovery.

The free workshop will be held April 28 at Sampson Community College, Occupational Building, from 5:30-7 p.m.

“The purpose of this workshop is to provide education and raise awareness to addiction and to stress that long term recovery is possible,” Courtney Boyette, community relations specialist with Eastpointe said. “We hope attendance will show another perspective to the disease of addiction and reduce stigma of getting treatment for alcohol and/or drug abuse.”

During an educational class last month, Kimberly Hickerson, who is also a community relations specialist with Eastpoint, talked about stigma and how it causes needless suffering, potentially causing a person to deny symptoms, delay treatment and refrain from daily activities. With millions of Americans suffering from some mental illness, stigma plays an important role in the success of treatment those individuals may receive.

With addiction and treatment for the disease, Boyette said, comes a great deal of stigma. For that reason, this workshop will be perfect for addicts, recovering addicts, families, as well as health care professionals.

“Through this workshop, individuals will have a better understanding of addiction, the treatment process and recovery,” Boyette said. “Rehabilitation is a life long journey. We will offer information on the available resources and services in the community.”

The documentary, “The Anonymous People,” has been described as the “underground railroad movement.” According to Boyette, the lady who used this words is in recover and said she felt more people want and need to talk about addictions, but feel they need to be in a safe environment to do so.

“Addiction impacts the entire family unit and support systems so it is just more than the individual who is effected,” Boyette shared. “For example, a parent who goes to prison for drug charges will forever change family dynamics, relationships, and many other areas in a spouse or child’s life.”

To register for the viewing, contact Boyette at 919-587-0333 or email her at [email protected].

The documentary is available on YouTube. To view the official trailer, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqoEtUn0Agw.