NORWICH – Celebrating an addict’s recovery is not something to be left just for September, when the nation takes time out to recognize Recovery Month, but rather an accomplishment to be marked every single day and every single moment.

And keeping stories about addiction, treatment and recovery in the shadows does little to educate people.

So said Chenango County Community Mental Hygiene Services Director Ruth Roberts Monday when she brought two former drug abusers with her to a meeting of the county board to help proclaim September 2012 Recovery Month in Chenango County. The two young men spoke about their former lives, the county’s programs and services that helped them and their sustained recoveries.

The first, Eliott, said he used to be a junkie living on the street, but is now sober and attending college full time. He credited the department for helping him, and said he works hard every day to become a better person. “Without them, I don’t think I would be 18 months sober today,” he said.