September 20, the 30th anniversary of National Addiction Professional Day, is a time when overdose rates are skyrocketing across the country.

Maui Behavioral Health Resources and its three agencies (Aloha House, Marama Family Recovery Center and Maui Youth & Family Services) recognize the important role addiction professionals play in the health system and continuum of care.

One of the key addiction experts is Roxanne Feiteira, program coordinator at the Marama Family Recovery Center. She used to be an addict, so she knows personally how important an addiction expert is.

“My journey with Marama Family Recovery Center began on August 4, 2012,” she said in a news release. “I was 26 and a meth and prescription drug addict. My two children lived with my parents. And I didn’t care anymore if I lived or died. Marama changed that for me, this program has given me the tools, support and most importantly the confidence I need to stay clean. It taught me that I was worth it.”

Almost ten years later, Feiteira quit drugs and became a staff member.

“I was able to be part of a team that brings love and light to the women and children in our community,” she said. “They should be happy, healthy and drug and alcohol free. We care and we are here.”

National Addiction Professional Day was started in 1992 by the National Association of Alcoholics and Substance Abuse Counselors to commemorate the hard work that addiction professionals do every day.

As a local substance abuse and mental health services organization, Maui Behavioral Health Resources has helped approximately 8,000 individuals and families in the Maui community in 2021.

“We are proud of our incredible team,” said Jud Cunningham, CEO of Maui Behavioral Health Resources. “Each addiction treatment professional is dedicated to helping their clients and is committed to making them feel safe and cared for. It’s essential to our community.”

National Addiction Professionals Day is held each September as part of National Recovery Month. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and celebrate those in recovery.

If you or someone you know needs help with a substance abuse disorder, help is confidential and available 24/7.

For more information about Maui Behavioral Health Resources, the three affiliated agencies, or Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Services, visit www.mbhr.org or call 808-579-8414.