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Should Inclusivity Be 'The Gold Standard' Of Community Collaboration?

Commentary by Susan Wagenaar

::: At Colusa County Recovery (CCR) we believe addressing drug addiction and alcoholism issues within our rural community should 'include' exploring innovative ways to expand our current community collaboration model between key community stakeholders, to include 'voices' with the lived-life experience of overcoming a substance use disorder (SUD).



What Is A Substance Use Disorder?

A substance use disorder is a mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to a person's inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs.


Thankfully, recovery has come a long way in the past 50 years and is no longer a one-size-fits-all package. Whether a person seeks to embrace the 12 steps of 'Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous,' or is interested in learning more about 'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy' (CBT) or residential treatment; or feels that one-on-one drug counseling might work best for them? The list of recovery options available today is plentiful.


Why We Support Inclusivity in Community Collaborations

Community collaborations that are inclusive, encourage individuals with lived life experience, outreaches, agencies, faith-based groups, organizations, and community members to come together in an 'atmosphere of support' to systematically solve existing and emerging problems within a community, that could not easily be solved by larger agencies alone. A community that cares, values all voices, embraces diversity; and encourages participation.


Why We Do What We Do

​Our mission at CCR is to build bridges that connect people to innovative recovery options, evidenced-based therapies, peer support solutions, wellness principles, and mutual aid organizations; where they can get the help, support, and guidance necessary, to begin their journey of healing and restoration.


We consider our free online digital recovery and wellness resource to be a valuable addition to our community's existing TOOLBOX of available services that address substance use disorders and addiction.


At Colusa County Recovery, we understand addiction, because we've been there.


About Susan Wagenaar

Susan is a community relations volunteer and recovery advocate with Colusa County Recovery, and an active member of her community. She lives in the City of Colusa with her cat ZIPPER, who walks on a leash; is a part-time acrobat and full-time cuddle bug. :: Contact Susan ::




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