NILES — September is National Recovery Month, and organizers of Recovery at the Riverfront have every intent to celebrate it Saturday.

From 1 to 4 p.m., attendees can listen to music and inspirational speakers while engaging in networking and activities at Riverfront Park in Niles. Free smoked chicken, smoked pork, ice cream, pop and water will also be available.

The event is sponsored by Community Healing Centers, a southwest Michigan-based recovery organization, and Berrien County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, a network of recovery organizations.

The event is not only for those recovering from addiction or considering to. It is also for their families, friends and fellow community members.

It is the event’s fifth year, and Doug D. has been behind the scenes organizing the event since its inception. He requested his last name be withheld, as he is recovering from addiction.

Doug said he loves the event because it destigmatizes recovery, creates a sense of community among those recovering and allows people in that community to celebrate their accomplishments.

“These events prove it,” he said. “They can get together and enjoy recovery. They can come out in public and enjoy where they’re at.”

His favorite part is seeing people smile.

Co-organizer and peer recovery specialist at Community Health Centers Christopher Clark said his favorite part of Recovery at the Riverfront is listening to its speakers.

“I think that listening to the highlights of someone that’s found recovery in their life and that moment where that lightbulb turned on their life, when they flip the switch, [is great],” he said.

Three area speakers are set to share their stories of addiction and a recovery. Clark said that resonates with him and with attendees in recovery. It lets them see a positive future.

“They see people walk through their addiction, and they see it’s possible to stay clean and be productive members of society,” Doug said. “They can open businesses, stay with families. It shows that many positive things can happen.”

To get to a successful end of recovery, Berrien County ROSC and Community Healing Centers both recommend a 12-step program, which will be promoted at the event.

The faith-based program was created in 1938 by Alcoholics Anonymous. It was meant for people with alcoholism who could not attend an AA meetings.

It has since been adopted by about three-quarters of recovery centers, regardless of the addiction type, according to the substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Doug said he likes the program because it can be followed step-by-step, but certain steps can be focused on if they prove more impactful for an individual.

For example, someone may find that contacting those hurt may prove the most impactful, while someone else may find meditation or prayer to be effective.

Doug said Recovery at the Riverfront and its program promotions are especially pertinent in the wake of Michigan legalizing marijuana. He compared its qualities to that of alcohol.

“It’s legal, but in our eyes, it still a drug,” he said. “You can still get addicted.”

Overall, Clark and Doug want Recovery at the Riverfront to be a place where people can learn about different types of addictions and recovery methods through personal connections while celebrating.

“Come on out and see what recovery’s about,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”