The 15th annual Recovery Walk was aimed at breaking down the stigma associated with addiction, said Amos Marshall, president of the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR), a grassroots group of former addicts and alcoholics. "Most of the people I know going through recovery wear suits and ties," noted Marshall.

Speakers at the rally included experts from the Boston Public Health Commission and members of the faith-based Teen Challenge Boston. Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and state Sen. Therese Murray (D-Kingston) were among the politicians in attendance.

Advocates said it was important for people in recovery to be visible and vocal about their successes and the need for more resources to battle addiction.

"If we let our voices be heard, we can be sure to get the resources we need," said John Auerbach of the Boston Public Health Commission.

"There are a lot of addicts who are suffering just like myself," said one recovering addict from the University of Massachusetts, who gave his name as Alex. "Just to see a turnout such as today, I feel like there is still hope."

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