The Ramble Festival
Rage Against Addiction had the awesome opportunity to be a part of a very unique event this October. According to its website, “the Ramble Festival is a three-day vibe-centric music festival focused on good people sharing great music and creating terrific times…it’s all about creating community through shared experiences and a mutual love of live music in a gorgeous outdoor setting.” Rage hosted a Sober Camp at the festival in an effort to bring awareness about recovery and sobriety during Sober October, a month-long campaign designed for society to reflect on the huge part alcohol plays in our lives as well as ways everyone can have fun without the need for alcohol. We also had resource tables where we provided information about our organization, handed out Narcan, and had some of our very own previous recovery house residents offer support for those struggling. Located in Darlington, Maryland, the festival was a big hit among local residents and those who came into town just to experience something different.
Will Gibbons managed the Ramble Festival marketing efforts this year, and kindly shared his story with us:
“My journey with substances has been a long one. Through all of my ups and downs over the years, one thing has always remained constant: my love of live music.
After a very trying pandemic, I realized my need to prioritize my mental health. During the early stages of centering my mental health, I would often wonder if I would be able to enjoy live music sober with the same intensity. Slowly, with the support of my close friends and family, I was able to immerse myself back into what I love the most, this time with a clear head.
When I saw The Ramble Festival was going to be taking place in Harford County, Maryland, I couldn’t have been more excited to have a hometown throwdown in my backyard! I had the opportunity to get to know Brick and J (the festival organizers) after being asked to run the street team to support marketing efforts for The Ramble Festival. While working alongside these two, it became clear that their vision was not just another music festival, but the creation of a thriving community rooted in live music.
Since I was on the support team and a Harford County local, Brick asked if I knew about any local nonprofits doing excellent work in the community. I knew addiction affects almost everyone, in one way or another. So I shared my experience and the mission of Rage Against Addiction (RAA), and he was thrilled to explore a possible partnership.
Once connected, I was happy to jump in and help coordinate with RAA to set up a sober camping area and be an onsite peer resource should anyone be struggling during the weekend. At the end of the day, the music is the main attraction at these events and although temptations may be great, even the people expressing their good times in such a manner are supportive of anyone in recovery. Music creates community; it always has and always will. So if you’re considering attending something like The Ramble Festival in the future, I want you to know that if you decide to join the festivities, you will have a safe and supportive environment to immerse yourself in the live music and feel at home.”
In October 2022, Rage promoted Sober October on our social media platforms. We put out content to help endorse the Campaign for Sober October: the who, what, when, and why of sobriety. We asked important questions such as: what does alcohol have a priority over in your life? What kind of fun can you have without using it? When is too much too much? Why do we choose it over other coping mechanisms for fear, anxiety, and life’s challenges? We hope that you were able to really reflect on the relationship you and society as a whole has with alcohol. It’s everywhere: in the movies, on TV, on social media. But you can enjoy life without it! Recovery is about introspection, self-awareness, and growth.
Upcoming Events
November is Thankful for Recovery Month. There is a lot to be grateful for. We want to hear from YOU! Please consider sharing your own story about your journey to recovery. How has it changed you? What advice do you have for others who want to achieve recovery but don’t know how? Please email your story to Mia Ellis at Mia@RageAgainstAddiction.com. (We reserve the right to edit for content.)
In November, we will celebrate the four year anniversary of the opening of Daughter’s House, our first ever sober living house for women. Located in the suburbs of Harford County, Maryland, this was the inspiration for our program of the same name. This program is designed to assist women who are transitioning from substance abuse treatment to recovery, and now consists of a total of three sober living houses. Each house has a supportive and safe environment to help residents build life skills that are necessary in order to achieve and sustain recovery.
Rage Club is designed by Rage Against Addiction for children affected by addiction to help them and their families learn healthy ways to express their feelings through activities such as art and equine therapy, nature walks, and much more. We encourage open and honest conversations about addiction within the family; understanding this disease is the first phase of the healing process.
We invite our Rage Club families to our Holiday Party at Buontempo Brothers in Bel Air, Maryland on Saturday, December 3, 2022 for an afternoon of crafts, lunch, and good times. The holidays are a difficult time of year for many families struggling with addiction and we know that it can be a comfort to feel connected to others going through the same thing. Please check out more details here.
Community Resources
Addiction Connections Resource: A non-profit organization that assists with providing resources and support for addiction treatment and that educates the community about substance abuse disorder. Located in Fallston, MD. Please visit here or call 443-417-7810 for more information.
Ashley Addiction Treatment: An inpatient treatment center that personalizes clinical programs based on individual need. Located in Havre De Grace, MD. Please visit here or call 800-799-4673 for information about online and in-person meeting services.
Celebrate Recovery: A local support group for those with addictive behaviors. Located in Bel Air, MD and Joppa, MD.
-Mt. Zion Church (1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015): every Thursday at 5:45pm. Please visit here for more information about meetings.
-Mountain Christian Church (New Life Center 1802 Mountain Road, Joppa, MD 21085): every Friday at 6:00pm. Please visit here for more details.
GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing): A local support group for those who have lost someone to addiction.
-7:00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
-Located in the Education Building at Mt. Zion Church: 1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015
-Contact lisa.craig4@verizon.net for more information. The private national Facebook group is available. Please visit here to ask to join.
The Klein Family Harford Crisis Center: A clinic that provides immediate care for mental health and addiction. Located in Bel Air, MD. Please visit here or call 410-874-0711 for information about services.
Loving An Addict: A local support group for family and friends of those in active addiction.
-7:00 pm every Saturday.
-Located in the Education Building at Mt. Zion Church: 1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015
-Contact lisa.craig4@verizon.net for more information.
We serve locally but think globally. For counseling, or for addiction, substance abuse disorder, or mental illness treatment, please contact your area’s health department, county government, hospital, or law enforcement agency.
Rage Against Addiction Programs
Daughter’s House: Designed to assist women who are transitioning from substance abuse treatment to recovery; includes three sober living houses (Daughter’s House, Sister House, and The Cottage) located in the suburbs of Harford County, MD. Click here to visit the Facebook page.
Rage Club: Designed specifically for children affected by addiction to help them process their feelings and learn about the disease by offering counselor-led activities, such as equine and art therapy, nature walks, and more. The group meets several times a year. Click here for more information
HALO (How to Live Without Our Addicted Loved One): An online grief support group specifically for those that lost loved ones to substance abuse. Click here to ask to join the private Facebook page. *Please read and answer the membership questions prior to joining.*
RAA ABC (After Baby Care): Provides post-partum care packages to new mothers in early recovery.
Rage Against Addiction Team Members
Wendy Beck: Founder and Executive Director
Rachel Bongiorno: Recovery Coach and Daughter’s House Program Director
Mia Ellis: Newsletter Writer and Administrator
Amanda Buddenbohn: Board of Directors
Tara Kuzma: Chairman of the Board of Directors
Sarah Hoover and Michael Nesline: Rage Club was inspired by their need to heal from their own personal loss