NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Hundreds of people joined other recovery advocates and addiction survivors to celebrate their success and remember those lost to addiction.

This event was the third annual Hands Across the Bridge event on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

During the event, they held hands to form a human chain that spanned the entire bridge. This was a record year for participants.

"Hands across the bridge event was really initiated because we heard about several other cities doing that," Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drugs and other Addiction Services Executive Director Mary Linden Salter said. "Show support for each other who have lost loved ones to overdose, and it really brings (the) recovery community together."

People cried, laughed and encouraged each other to continue their fight against addiction.

Samaritan Recovery Community CEO Mark Lasko talked about the transformation people have made through recovery. He said it's a lifelong journey to get better, and this event showcases the drive and commitment so many people have toward recovery.

Among the many people at the event was Brittney Cranford. She attended in honor of her mother, who is celebrating 20 years of sobriety. Many other attendees spoke to News 2 about the importance of never giving up and supporting through fighting addiction.

"Don't ever give up hope on your family members because there is another side to the story," Cranford said. "One day it will get better, and I promise you that."

To learn more about addiction recovery resources, please click here.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/hands-spread-across-nashville-pedestrian-bridge-to-honor-addiction-recovery/