The journey from addiction to recovery can be a slow and difficult one.

So it’s important for all concerned to celebrate victories, big and small, when they occur.

To that end, the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission held its 12th annual Recovery Event on Saturday at Bethany Wesleyan Church, 1122 Fairyland Road, Franklin Township.

“All year long we work on the problem of substance abuse disorder,” said Jamie Drake, director of the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission. “In September, we celebrate the successes of the individuals that we work with.

“We are partnered here today with Bethany Wesleyan Church and Recovery Church to have a celebration.”

The annual event included food trucks, a basket auction, and vendors and other organizations with tables and literature about what they have to offer.

Casey Spencer, pastor at Bethany Wesleyan Church, explained what Recovery Church is about.

“Recovery Church is a national movement out of Jupiter, Florida,” he said. “There are locations all over the country It seeks to be a bridge between the traditional 12-step recovery programs such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous), and the church.”

The group meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Bethany, with a message, worship and prayer. They partner with local organizations, and try to help the community as much as possible.

Recovery Church held a service Saturday as part of the recovery celebration event.

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, contact the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission at the 24-hour toll-free number, 1-866-824-3578.