 Millions of people throughout the world are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, and with an ongoing opioid epidemic, recovery centers are reaching out to people in honor of National Recovery Month. The month-long event honors those who have sought help for their addictions. Recovery centers such as the Alino in the Brainerd Lakes area has seen a dramatic increase from both the opioid prescription medication epidemics. Recovery centers are using the month to spread the word about this important issue. Number one, acknowledge that it is a huge epidemic, and it's affecting millions of people, a lot of people in your own families, friends, etc., and it's off the charts. It is something that deserves and needs a full-blown commitment to helping people. In 2015, there were 137 vehicle deaths that were related to alcohol, and since the year 2000, deaths from opioid overdoses have increased across the state of Minnesota by nearly 600 percent. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.