LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Each year, Jay Davidson swaps out the coin in his pocket for a new one, celebrating another year of sobriety.

What You Need To Know

  • Leaders from Kentucky and across the U.S. are meeting in Louisville for a conference focused on recovery from substance use disorders

  • The conference is hosted by Addiction Recovery Care and The Healing Place 

  • The event is being held at the Louisville Marriott East 

  • The final day of the conference is Wed. Sept. 26

The coin he carries with him now commemorates 40 years.

“It’s my touch to spirituality and my connection to a higher power to help me remain calm in the midst of chaos,” he said.

Since 1991, Davidson, executive chair of The Healing Place, has helped thousands of people get into recovery.

Davidson and other leaders from the treatment community are gathering in Louisville this week for the two-day Reach for Recovery Addiction Conference, which focuses on long-term recovery and the services that help make it possible.

The conference is hosted by Addiction Recovery Care and The Healing Place, both based in Kentucky.

“We believe it’s important to share with the community that recovery is possible,” said Davidson. “When I say ‘recovery,’ it’s not just being no longer using drugs or alcohol. When we use the word ‘recovery,’ we mean a productive and meaningful life.”

Pat Fogarty, chief operating officer for Addiction Recovery Care and a person in long-term recovery, called Davidson the “Godfather of Recovery.”

“He’s a father figure, someone that we’ve looked up to on how to successfully live their life as a man,” said Fogarty. “Jay has taught us just so many key things in life, including how to love yourself and love others, to have empathy.”

Keenan Beckhart, who is approaching eight years of sobriety, said The Healing Place saved her life.

She now works as a major gift officer there. 

“You can recover,” said Beckhart. “People do it every single day. People lead these amazing lives after getting sober and being in recovery and it’s possible for you to do it, no matter how deep you’ve gone down or anything like that. Recovery is always possible.”

Since 2021, over 4,000 Kentuckians have died from an overdose, according to state reports.

Davidson said Kentucky needs to do a better job of intervention and prevention and reduce demand for substances by providing treatment.

To find an addiction treatment facility, visit here.

The conference continues Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Louisville Marriott East.

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