More Than Addiction holds community event for those struggling with substance abuse

ST. ALBANS, WV (WOWK) — Whether it’s a friend, a family member or even yourself, the road to recovery can be long and troublesome.

More Than Addiction hosted the United We Stand community event in St. Albans Saturday to encourage those who may be struggling to ask for help. The event had resources available for those in need and family friendly activities.

“Myself, I’m seven and a half years sober. I was the worst of the worst. I lost everything,” said Jason Wickline, vice president of More Than Addiction. “I was able to find help, use that to the best of my ability, and I’ve been able to build a life ever since. If it wasn’t for that, I would have never met my wife.”

Jason’s wife and founder of More Than Addiction, Shanna Wickline, said, “We wanted to bring resources that empowered people in our community to believe that they are more than just their circumstance. There’s more to it. There are resources.”

The duo said their goal was to break the stigma of substance abuse disorder and connect with their community.

“I thought I was the only person who was going through this, and I thought I was alone, because of the shame and the stigma that surrounded it. The truth is, there were all kinds of people walking the same walk that I was,” Shanna said.

Donations and other proceeds raised from the event will be used to continue their mission of sharing the impact of substance abuse on West Virginia’s youths. For more information, you can visit the More Than Addiction Facebook page .

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