In January 2009, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) launched the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com to help raise awareness of the chronic disease of addiction; combat the stigma wrongly associated with substance use disorders and problem gambling addiction; and promote the message that prevention is proven, treatment works and recovery is real. Time and time again we hear only of the struggle of addiction, but the Your Story Matters campaign emphasizes the light at the end of the tunnel and offers insight into a battle worth the fight. It is dedicated to the individuals who are leading productive, healthy and fulfilling lives in recovery and the friends and families who have supported loved ones through their battle with addiction.

Your Story Matters offers hope to those still in the grips of alcoholism, chemical dependency or problem gambling. The individuals who choose to share their stories at www.iamrecovery.com represent the future and the reality of the state's Recovery Movement -- they are the hope, inspiration and proof that recovery is happening every day across the state and beyond. Through these stories of courage, second chances, gratitude, and potential, New Yorkers can walk proudly in celebration of recovery in a society that welcomes their achievements.

Share Your Story.
Addiction impacts 2.5 million -- one in seven -- New Yorkers and their families, but there are tens of thousands of New Yorkers and their loved ones who are living stories of recovery from alcoholism, chemical dependency and problem gambling.

Inspire Hope.
We encourage you to join this growing Recovery Movement by sharing your story, anonymously if you wish, in honor of the reality and power of recovery. If you need help sharing your story, suggestions are available.

It Matters.
New Yorkers need to know there is hope and help for breaking the cycle of addiction. Lend your voice, share your story and become an inspiration for those in need of hope, so that they may be motivated by your success and begin their own journey of recovery.

You Won't Want to Miss the 3rd Annual New York Recovery Rally!
Thousands will gather on September 25, 2010 for the 3rd Annual New York Recovery Rally in Randall's Island Park to celebrate recovery from addiction. Fun, family activities begin in Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island at 8:00 a.m., leading to the day's kick-off event at 10:00 a.m.: the Odyssey House 5th Annual "Run for Your Life." The Odyssey House event will be followed directly by a historic, unified "Recovery Celebration Walk" along the scenic Harlem River with a view of the Manhattan skyline, where--like last year's inspirational A&E Recovery Rally--thousands will walk side by side, as one strong and courageous voice for recovery. The Recovery Celebration Walk will lead into the Harlem River Event Site for a jam-packed lineup of inspirational speakers and entertainment.