On Thursday night, November 12, 2015, I had the opportunity as a member of Randolph’s Substance Abuse Coalition to attend a meeting at our Town Hall. members of a our community were invited to this coalition meeting to voice their concerns about substance abuse and to hear a presentation by a local man, Rich Barnes, who battled addiction for most of his life.
As a 35 year veteran of the Randolph Police Department I have had many interactions with people suffering from addictions. I have witnessed countless addicts and their families struggle with the harmful effects of substance abuse and the heartbreak that often follows years of abuse. With these memories in mind I was happy to hear Rich talk of his recovery and of his commitment to helping others who are suffering as he did.
We can all read books, pamphlets and statistics that explain the many causes and effects of addiction but nothing compares to a person’s emotional account of personal experiences. Everyone in attendance listened intently as Rich detailed his life as an addict and the toll it took on him and his family before he began to make his recovery thanks to people who cared about him.
Following his presentation Rich asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Several people spoke of their own experiences and others asked Rich for his advice regarding personal matters. Rich could not have been more accommodating. He spoke from the heart and made it very clear that his goal is to help as many people a she can to get on the road to recovery. I would highly recommend him to all those who need support and to community groups or schools who are trying to educate our young adults and children on the dangers of addictions.
Respectfully,
Arthur Sullivan
Commander
Randolph Police Dept.