By Michael V. Crismali, Correspondent
HIGHTSTOWN – Have you ever had a problem and felt like you were the only one going through it?
The men and women of City of Angels, an organization that helps guide people with addiction to treatment and supports them in their recovery, understand that feeling of being alone.
That is why in May 2013, Recovery Radio was born. According to the City of Angels’ website, Recovery Radio is the world’s first and only radio station that plays original recovery talk all day, every day. It is on air 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and hosts more than a dozen shows that focus on virtually every aspect of recovery from addiction.
Some of the shows explore the overall impact of addiction on relationships. They touch on some of the underlying issues that cause addictive behavior to surface, and even the previously unknown issues that can sometimes be discovered while recovery is taking place.
There are many other topics covered by a multitude of different shows and guests. Recovery Radio hosts and guests are a very diverse group, which is a reflection of the recovery community itself.
Art Ackerman, executive co-director and manager of Recovery Radio, said one can’t necessarily identify an addict just by looking at them, or what they do for a living. Addiction does not discriminate.
While Recovery Radio provides a diverse roster of hosts and variety of shows, they all have one thing in common: All shows present tools and resources to strengthen recovery including wellness practices, spiritual programs and creative outlets. The wisdom and insights shared by the hosts is not just for those recovering. Much of this information can benefit anyone, merely by hearing the stories from some people who have not only endured pain and suffering, but have come out the other side.
The radio station operates out of the First Baptist Church in Hightstown, and is available to anyone, anytime completely free of charge. The website provides a complete list of all the shows, as well as archives to go back and listen to any past shows. There is also an app that will allow one to instantly play whatever is playing at that time, and provides a schedule of upcoming shows.
Recovery Radio can be streamed for free on coaradio.com. If you or someone you love suffers from addiction, the 24-hour City of Angels hotline is 609-910-4942.