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In this column, I try to call a lot of attention to oversight, misinformation and neglect of the problems of addiction; therefore, I think it's only fair to give a shout-out when local organizations and individuals are doing something right.

Over in Knoxville, writer J.J. Stambaugh (a former Daily Times writer) has chronicled the problem of prostitution in Old North Knoxville, the area along Central Street where I used to live in a halfway house. It's not Sequoyah Hills, and Stambaugh has been criticized by some for his portrayal of the community. As a former resident, however, I applaud him for tackling a tough subject and for calling attention to the role addiction plays in the lives of those who walk those streets. He does a decent job of painting a picture of these women as human beings, many suffering from childhood trauma and other mental and emotional problems, and he talks to many in law enforcement and community organization who recognize that it's a complex problem with much more needed than simply locking them up.

Speaking of The Daily Times, I'm very excited about writer Mark Boxley's upcoming series "Wasted: People, Money, Lives," one of the most comprehensive pieces of journalism I've ever seen that examines the problems of addiction. What makes it even more important is that it focuses on the problem right here in Blount County. Mark's spent the last six months in Ohio, taking part in a fellowship that's taught him how to better integrate the written word and the multimedia possibilities available on the Internet, and when this series is published, I hope it gives pause and causes a lot of people to stop and think.

It's not just the media that's taking an in-depth look at addiction and the far-reaching societal problems it causes. Of course, there's been a spike in media coverage of late because of the death of Michael Jackson; every time I turn on the news lately, it seems they're talking about the dangers of pharmaceutical drugs and their easy availability in every medicine cabinet in America. Other organizations right here in Blount County have been addressing these and other problems related to addiction for a while now.

Over at Cornerstone of Recovery in Louisville, administrators recently opened a clinic -- Cornerstone Integrative Health Associates -- that offers holistic and natural alternatives to chemical pain relief. Known as Integrative Health Associates, the clinic is located in Alcoa's Springbrook Center; Daily Times Lifestyles Editor Melanie Tucker profiled it back in May, and I find it astounding how professional and comprehensive its services are. Staffed by trained medical providers, it uses techniques such as acupuncture and therapeutic massage to stimulate the body's natural painkillers and offer relief to those who suffer from chronic pain without the danger of addiction that some pharmaceuticals have. It's a professional, medical office building -- don't expect bead curtains and burning incense and whatever other hippie stereotypes you might associate with natural and/or holistic medicine -- this is the real deal, and it's worth checking out.

At Blount Memorial Hospital, Ed Harper, coordinator of Senior Services, has been a longtime advocate of recovery from addiction -- especially as it relates to the oft-neglected population of addicted senior citizens -- much longer than he's been my friend. Not only does he speak to various groups and organizations, he spearheads a number of community groups and meetings that attempt to offer common sense, compassionate solutions to a widespread problem.

There are many others in our local community who go above and beyond the call of their jobs to address the problem of addiction and the possibilities of recovery. I can't thank all of them enough for what they've done and continue to do -- for the recovery community to which I belong and for those who struggle daily to get a grip on their own disease and become a part of that community. If more leaders -- in the media, in the health care field, in the community at large -- were to follow their example, then Blount County as a whole would benefit greatly.

Addiction isn't going away; as I've said before, it's a matter of supply and demand, and as long as there's a supply, there will continue to be people who want to use chemicals to escape or numb or change their personal realities. The Drug War has been attacking the supply lines for more than 30 years, but drugs are still readily available.

It's good to see that there are those here in our backyard who are willing to shine a light on the problem as it exists today, to call attention to those who suffer and possibilities for ways to help them get better.

For a preview of Mark Boxley's upcoming series, visit www.lives-wasted.com. To contact Cornerstone Integrative Health Associates, call 983-7800. To contact Edward Harper, call 977-5744. If you know of others in this community who go above and beyond to address addiction and recovery and help those who suffer, please let me know about them.

Steve Wildsmith is a recovering addict and the Weekend editor for The Daily Times. Contact him at steve.wildsmith@thedailytimes.com or at 981-1144.