As Tamaria Henderson, 20, rode her bicycle Saturday, she was reminded of alcoholism, an addiction she has battled for the past nine months.
One of 70 cyclists who pedaled through Gainesville’s Boulware Springs Park to raise money for a local addiction treatment center, Henderson said she felt inspired to conquer the trail’s hilly terrain, a metaphor for her recovery.
“My journey is just beginning,” the Gainesville resident said. “I have a long way to go.”
The second-annual bicycle ride raised money for Metamorphosis of Alachua County, a residential treatment center that offers therapy and housing for those recovering from substance addiction.
One-third of the center’s 21 current residents — including Henderson — participated in the ride, said AJ Tatum, the founder of Active For Recovery, the nonprofit that hosted the event.
Tatum, 32, a recovering narcotics addict, said he organized the race because riding his bicycle helped him overcome his habits.
“It brought more fun to life,” the Gainesville resident said. “It kept the adrenaline going instead of being high.”
All of the participants, who paid between $20 and $30 to register for the ride, received $40 in gift certificates from sponsors.
Tatum said 13 local companies sponsored the race, which was two more than last year, but the stigma surrounding addiction may limit funding for treatment.
“Last year, we weren’t able to get many sponsors,” he said. “They don’t want their business associated with addiction.”
Tatum said he was proud to raise money for Metamorphosis because the center offers life-changing services.
He said the treatment center houses up to 21 residents at a time, most of whom stay for about six months to one year, and provides residents personalized care.
Carly Breitbart / Alligator
One-third of the treatment center’s 21 current residents participated in the race. AJ Tatum, the founder of the nonprofit Active For Recovery, said he organized the race because bicycling helped him beat his own addiction. “It brought more fun to life,” the 32-year-old said. “It kept the adrenaline going instead of being high.”
Through therapy sessions, Tatum said, residents can confront the underlying causes of their addictions.
“A lot of times, drug addiction goes hand-in-hand with mental illness,” he said.
Addiction’s negative perception, Tatum said, can be overcome by encouraging family members to remain supportive during someone’s recovery.
Although Henderson did not willingly sign up for treatment — a court ordered her to go — she said the treatment has given her a second chance at life.
Henderson, who has lived at the center for four months, was joined by residents who were permitted to leave the center and graduates of the program.
Henderson said seeing their success — and her own transformation — motivates her to continue her road to recovery.
“I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence and love for myself,” she said. “They help us find ourselves without drugs.”
Tamaria Henderson rides her bicycle to support Metamorphosis of Alachua County, the treatment center where she currently lives and battles her alcohol addiction. “You have to want it,” the 20-year-old said.
As they pedaled through Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville, 70 cyclists raised money for addiction recovery on Saturday. The second annual race, hosted by Active For Recovery, benefitted Metamorphosis of Alachua County, a residential treatment center for adults with substance addiction.
