Sharpsburg church offers monthly programs for addiction recovery

A Sharpsburg-based addiction recovery program will offer several events in August and September that are free and open to the public.

Addiction Recovery Ministry, based out of St. Juan Diego Parish, will have the following programs:

- A reflection at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at Adat Shalom, 368 Guys Run Road, Indiana Township.

The topic is “We Are as Sick as Our Secrets,” based on the story of David and Bathsheba.

The Rev. Michael Decewicz will present the discussion.

- An event focused on incarceration and addiction will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 in the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St., Sharpsburg. The presenter is the Rev. Malcolm McDonald.

- A session on co-dependency will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 16, also at the John Paul I Center. Rebecca Duke-Walker will lead the discussion.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania was among the top three states with the highest rates of death due to drug overdose, with 44.3 per 100,000 people. Others at the top of the list were West Virginia and Ohio.

The group aims to help people struggling with addiction, as well as their families. Launched this year, its mission is to reach out to those who are struggling, Decewicz said.

There is a schedule of monthly meetings, support sessions and special events that are paid with money from “The Church Alive Campaign” through the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Decewicz said consistency is the key to overcoming the epidemic. The ministry consists of AA, NA, ALANON and NARANON meetings, along with education, spiritual enrichment and one-on-one ministry.

“This is our response to the epidemic surrounding us,” Decewicz said. “This is a disease, not a moral failure.”

Call 412-218-5410 or email addictionrecoveryministry pgh@gmail.com.

For more, visit AddictionRecoveryMinistryPittsburgh.org