- Approximately 101,000 people died of overdose last year, equivalent to one plane crash per day (250 x 365 = 91,000).
- Approximately 170,000 die of alcoholism every year, equivalent to one jumbo jet plane crash per day (450 x 365 = 170,000).
- Another 100,000 people die of other causes related to addiction, equivalent to one plane crash per day.
These startling statistics about addiction were shared by attorney Walter Boone, from Balch and Bingham LLP (Jackson, Mississippi), at the recent ITCC Conference. To put it in perspective, that’s equivalent to three plane crashes every day, not counting the additional tragedies experienced by survivors.
Recently, our CEO Denise Marsters attended the International Treatment Center Cooperative (ITCC) 2024 Spring Conference in Vero Beach, Florida. She described it to the board as an “incredible experience.”
In an intimate setting in Vero Beach, Denise shared her reflections on the ITCC event:
“This conference is one of a kind. People come from all over the world to share their programs. The event is by invitation only, and it is amazing to sit in a room with such dedicated, motivated, and inspirational people. Each participant gets uninterrupted time (5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes) on stage to present their programs and services. The dedication is astounding, the passion is inspiring, and the collaboration is truly amazing.
Learning about the existing programs and services helps everyone in this field choose the appropriate level of care for clients suffering from this disease. Many presenters shared how their programs and services, including legal, documentation, and information systems services, can support the industry. Without a doubt, The McCoy House plans to participate in this conference each year at one of their four annual events.
The passion, enthusiasm, and genuine motivation to help those suffering from addiction and underlying issues like mental disorders, trauma, abuse, and neglect were evident during the presentations. Some shared personal stories of struggles with addiction and trauma, finding their vocation to help others heal through recovery. We shared our own stories during breaks, laughed, cried, and connected in a genuine and transparent way. We bonded, made deliberate connections, and promised to support each other in this endeavor to continue helping those who suffer.”
Denise recalls her first meeting with John Southworth in Jackson at the Mississippi Addictions Conference 2009, where he was the keynote speaker. John, a well-known interventionist, was greatly respected in the field of addiction. Denise was captivated by his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and passion for helping those suffering from addiction. After his presentation, Denise told John about The McCoy House, then known as The McCoy House for Sober Living. John’s initial response was, “I don’t refer to places like this.” Denise was taken aback, thinking she had misread him.
You see, John Southworth was very particular about referring people to treatment, sober living, and extended care, only doing so if he believed in the program, the people, and their mission statement. On the last day of the conference, John asked to see The McCoy House. After touring the house and meeting the residents, he said, “I will fill this place.” Impressed with the facility, he offered Denise a scholarship to attend the ITCC event in Vero Beach in September of that year, even arranging for her to share a room with another presenter due to budget constraints.
The first ITCC Conference was held in 2002. John believed in bringing people together for the benefit of both industry professionals and the clients they serve. He saw a gap in networking and collaboration between centers and interventionists and aimed to create a space for learning about each other’s specialties, ensuring clients received appropriate services for recovery. John often said, “There’s plenty of room in the sandbox for everybody.” He knew that working together rather than competing would yield the greatest success. This mentality gave rise to the ITCC conference.
John lost his battle with cancer in 2017, but his legacy continues. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the industry, his quick wit, sharp mind, and irrepressible sense of humor.
A special thank you to the team at Southworth and Associates—Benjamin Seymour, Chad Grimm, and Sierra Crow—for organizing this event and continuing John Southworth’s legacy.
Another very special thanks to Rick and Jamie from Sober Escorts for making a very generous donation to help with scholarships at the McCoy House Extended Care for Women.