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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- On Sept. 14, Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling proclaimed September as National Recovery Month for the city of Ottumwa. 

Less than two week later, recovering addicts, their families, and substance abuse workers celebrated during the 2nd Annual Recovery Rally in the Jimmy Jones shelter at the Greater Ottumwa Park.  

Organizers said that drug and alcohol abuse is a serious problem in Southeast Iowa. In fact, in a recent report produced by SIEDA or the Southern Iowa Economic Development Association, they indicate that they served 1,862 patients in 2010 for substance abuse outpatient services. 

Some of these clients were present to celebrate Sunday afternoon during the rally, happy that they could have fun, sober and clean.

"At first, when I came into recovery, yes it was embarrassing," said Roxann Moser, of Ottumwa. "It was like everybody knew I was an addict."

"Well, now it's like I don't care. I'm in recovery and that's all that matters and people shouldn't judge. "

Moser is recovering from using methamphetamine, a habit she said she has let go for almost three years. Staying away from old friends and not hanging out in the same spots are all things she said she does to help her steer clear of using the drug.

Many of the recovering addicts said events like Sunday's rally are important because it allows them to be with their families and know that they're not in the journey alone.

"I didn't have a life before like I do now and it's just awesome."

Moser said she's made true friends while going through treatment and she said reuniting with them and sharing stories of recovery helps her get through the process.