Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Offenders and staff celebrate during National Recovery Month

FORSYTH, Ga. – On September 22, Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP) hosted a Recovery Day to celebrate National Recovery Month at the facility located in Alto, Ga. There were 441 offenders in attendance. 

“We are proud of the offenders at Lee Arrendale State Prison who have made a lasting change in their life,” said Commissioner Dozier. “We will continue to make it a priority to provide effective substance abuse treatment, and to celebrate offenders’ recovery efforts statewide.”

The facility kicked off the celebration by offering staff cotton candy and a variety of sweets to commemorate How Sweet It Is to be in recovery. Staff and offenders then marched united in their stance to maintain their sobriety. The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) and Strategic Intervention Program (SIP) dorms made banners for the walk, to showcase their recovery journey. To conclude the event, participants blew bubbles in memory of all who have lost their battle with addiction.

Recovery Month increases awareness and understanding of substance abuse disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help, celebrates people in long-term recovery, and recognizes the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. 

LASP provides many levels of programming to assist residents in their battle with addiction and recovery. The programs are offered through local partners and volunteers, and the facility’s Care and Treatment staff. 

Programs include: RSAT, a nine-month program and specialized housing unit for high risk, high need offenders with a history of substance abuse; SIP, an eight-month program and specialized housing unit for offenders who struggle with substance abuse; Celebrate Recovery, a 12-month program that celebrate God’s healing power through 12 steps and eight recovery principles; and Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), which is an ongoing program based on the twelve steps, the twelve traditions and the twelve concepts of AA/NA.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.