PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- As part of National Recovery Month, several different organizations in Maine are drawing attention to the benefits of substance abuse recovery and treatment.

Catholic Charities Counseling Services along with Milestone Foundation, Day One, Portland Recovery Community Center, and Serenity House put on the third annual Walk for Recovery in Portland Saturday morning.

Officials say more than 11,000 Mainers were treated for substance abuse last year, with more than half suffering from a mental health disorder. 

Organizers say a major goal of the Walk for Recovery is to stress the importance of people with substance abuse problems and mental health disorders to seek proper treatment.

"There are millions of people actually benefiting from self-directed treatment and long-term recovery, and it's important for people to recognize that, especially people who may be struggling with their own disorders around substance abuse," Catholic Charities CEO Stephen Letourneau said.

All proceeds from the Walk for Recovery go towards recovery programs for people seeking treatment for substance abuse.  

NEWS CENTER