HUNTSVILLE – Partnership for a Drug-Free Community will present “40 Years in Recovery – #Giving Hope” to honor a longtime board member of the organization.

Rev. Dave Draper Jr. of Huntsville will observe the milestone of 40 years of sobriety on July 18.

The 40 Years in Recovery luncheon and panel discussion on facts about sobriety will be held at Downtown Huntsville Library, 915 Monroe St. on July 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

“Be inspired by his story and a few others as we recognize the journey of those in recovery,” Wendy Reeves said. Reeves serves as Executive Director of Partnership.

Draper’s interesting life story started as a child of a minister. He entered a darker period of his life, then served in the U.S. Army and eventually turned his life around by becoming a preacher himself, Reeves said.

“Pastor Draper got involved with Partnership to try to make a difference in the community,” Reeves said. “He has served in just about every position in the agency, including board president for many years.”

Tickets to the 40 Years in Recovery event are $15 and are tax-deductible. Guests must make a reservation. For a reservation, visit igfn.us/form/6dyIXA or text PARTNER to 91999.

Registration deadline is July 9.

Officers for Partnership’s Board of Directors are President Tommie Batts, First Vice President Karen Crowson, Second Vice President Missy Ming-Smith, Secretary Jacques Cothren, Treasurer Dave Draper and Nominating Chairperson Sharon Tibbs.

Offering a glimpse into the complex and sometimes surprising practices of sobriety, the Partnership can state signs and symptoms of use and abuse of drugs:

* Impaired social and occupational functioning, leading to withdrawal from interaction with the public.

* Impaired attention, forgotten memories of actions or verbal comments.

* Bouts of anxiety, depression or both, along with paranoia.

* Aggressive behavior, anger and even fighting.

* Fatigue, slurred speech, drowsiness or clumsiness.

* Talkativeness, tension and restlessness.

This list does not represent all signs and symptoms, Reeves said. The degree or extent any one individual can display signs and symptoms of abuse can vary, depending upon the drug of choice and the individual body’s response.

For more info about 40 Years in Recovery luncheon, call 256-539-7339, email dbower@thedrugfreepartnership.org or visit partnershipforadrug-freecommunity.org, Facebook/Partnership for a Drug-Free Community or Twitter #Giving Hope.