How do place and space affect those experiencing mental illness, specifically addiction, in Athens, Ohio? In class, we’ve talked in length about the relationships between space/place and race, gender, class, ability, and sexuality. We’ve learned about how those experiencing homelessness are affected by the place rules of their region. In terms of those experiencing addiction, I’m curious about the resources available to those recovering and how the community has worked to be inclusive and sensitive to those struggling with drugs or alcohol.
Naturally, resources for those experiencing alcohol or drug addiction vary from city to city. If a city does not have many resources then the lack of space dedicated to helping those struggling with addiction might indicate that there is not a place for them within that society. Indirectly, the area is erasing and excluding a population of people by not allowing them to thrive.
According to the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network, one of the most commonly abused drugs in the region was heroin. As of 2018, it had become increasingly common for heroin to be cut with fentanyl. Opioid availability and addiction are common in Appalachia and the trends in Athens, OH seems to support this.
As for resources in Athens, there seemed to be a fair amount of rehabilitation centers or halfway houses dedicated to addiction. Health Recovery Services Inc. is specifically dedicated to helping those with addiction and offers different forms of outpatient treatment. Hopewell Health Center offers mental health services as well as one form of outpatient treatment. Chillicothe VA Med Center also offers outpatient rehab and mental health services. The John W. Clem Recovery House on Dairy Lane is dedicated to helping male alcoholics and drug addicts through recovery and hosts multiple 12 step programs.
In terms of 12 step programs in the area, Alcoholics Anonymous has a large presence in Athens, especially for a rural town. With eighteen available meetings throughout the week at varying times, they are a relatively accessible service in the community. Narcotics Anonymous, a slightly smaller offshoot of AA, has four available meetings in the city of Athens. Additionally, Al-anon, providing services for those affected by a loved one’s addiction, has three established and available meetings in the city of Athens.
Furthermore, the Gathering Place, “a community support program,” provides recovery resources and support for adults coping with mental illness. Though not specifically established to help those with addiction, this nonprofit organization does offer recovery help. Through health and wellness activities, linkage services, and advocacy programs, this community-run nonprofit has been an established part of the Athens community since 1976.
As a whole, Athens provides a large amount of addiction support. Because rural areas do not have as many addiction services as urban ones, those struggling with addiction are often without many options. Athens, however; does seem to have a fair amount of services. Ultimately, in its creation of place for those experiencing addiction, the Athens community would appear to be relatively inclusive and supportive of its fellow community members.
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