Most speakers usually present addictions as a negative. And goodness knows there is a lot negative about addictions. But, there is another side to it. That is recovery. So many of us have reached a turning point in our lives, made a turn around and went on to not only have a good life but also provide valued services to society and our fellows.
I have known many cases over my years of recovery. The young man who went from the streets to the Order of Canada . The drunken doctor who become the head of his professional college. Or how about the biker chick who is now a tenured professor at a major university. I am sure you also have similar stories. Won’t you please share those stories with me and the readers of this Blog. Simply click on No Comment.
Jeff
April 12, 2009 at 1:24 am |
Jeff this is awsome stuff, keep up the good work!
Steve
April 16, 2009 at 2:03 pm |
I know of one woman who struggled with cocaine addiction for several years. She almost lost custody of her infant daughter. With a lot of support from friends, she kicked her habit, went back to school, and now works in the addictions field. Her personal life completely turned around too: she developed into a wonderful mom, and married a great guy.
To me, she is a real testimony to journey of recovery. In terms of how many other lives she has touched by helping through AA/NA or her professional work – who knows? But she sure impressed me.
April 20, 2009 at 12:13 am |
Great idea, Jeff! One of my dearest friends/colleagues is a man who was once a serious addict – meth mostly, I think. After a little time in prison, where he got sober, he returned to his family. Today he has been sober well over a decade – nearly two decades, I think. He recently began his Master’ degree and currently is a program director of a 200 bed treatment program in a large state prison. He is the father of three and a new grandpa!
He is one of the finest people I have ever been priviledged to know and for the record, Jeff, you know this man, too.
April 20, 2009 at 2:15 am |
I owe my new life to my recovery, I owe my recovery to my addiction.
My addiction was a gift.
Great idea Jeff.
April 20, 2009 at 4:30 am |
What a wonderful idea Jeff. Congratulations and thank you.
Our story with daughter, Kelly, continues. She is now 40 years old and last month we recieved confirmation that she has Fetal Alcohol Sydrome. We would never have discovered this huge piece of missing information if she had not stepped into recovery.
April 20, 2009 at 10:48 am |
Jeff I want to thank you for starting this blog I think it is a great idea.
I know many recovery stories including my own:)
And I do agree when you say “not only have a good life but also provide valued services to society and our fellows”.
I can tell you about one lady, she as a child had an alkaholic mother. Very young she starts using what ever drugs available on a daily terms, she leaves her home and starts living on the streets. This lady had never known good self care, save home or how to be adult without using alkahol or drugs. She has now 15 years of recovery and is working in the addiction field. She is a loving and caring mother of two. Her live has completely change.
As the woman in Joanne story this lady has touched many others with her work in 12 steps and in her professional work and just by being a good role model living her good life.
April 20, 2009 at 1:21 pm |
Thank you for starting this Jeff! I look forward to reading uplifting and interesting posts, and maybe adding a few myself.
April 20, 2009 at 3:44 pm |
We often refer to recovery as “recovering from an addiction”. I like to refer to recovery as a process of personal growth and exploration of the self whether you have an addiction or not. As a human race I think we are recovering from a disconnect to our bodies and the energy held within and around it. As a professional I am often working with more than just the person who is using a substance or obsessing about winning etc….I am working with parents, children, couples. If I remove the focus of addiction; I often find that healing from a lack of personal contact begins to happen. The addiction is the result of a longing for contact in relationships with other human beings.
Jeff this is a great idea.
April 20, 2009 at 4:23 pm |
Thank You Jeff, I will keep watching, and sharing – perhaps even a personal story, if that is appropriate. I have been focused this year on constantly reminding myself and my colleagues that the unique individuals we work with everyday not only have a past, but a future as well. A great beginning!
April 20, 2009 at 4:34 pm |
I know of a woman who killed her best friend while under the influence. She has worked very hard over the past 4 years and is now going to work in the field of helping people who are no longer allowed in government offices because of their addictions and mental health behaviour. She is amazing.
April 20, 2009 at 4:42 pm |
I have an ex-client who I am still in regular contact with. I first met him 20 years ago when he was being handcuffed and escorted out of an open custody centre that I was working at. He has a very long history of cocaine abuse, criminal activity, incarceration and is ADHD.
In the past few years he has managed to turn his thinking, his beliefes and his life around. He now has three houses he has rented to house the “homeless and struggling with recovery” folks in our community. He is the first to admit that he is not the best or most knowledgable person to do this. He has however done it with very little help from others.
The coolest part, for me, is talking to him every other day or so and hearing him talk about the struggles his “clients” are having that he himself was struggling with a few years ago. Kudo’s to him for doing something that very few in our community have had the committment to do and double kudo’s for finding a way to give back and stay engaged in his own recovery and healing process.
April 20, 2009 at 4:44 pm |
One of the most inspiring stories of recovery is that of Kay Redfield Jamison/Psychiatrist who wrote a book called “An Unquite Mind”…the story of her personal struggles and experiences with manic depression. This book examines manic depression from the dual perspectives “the healer and the healed”. Dr. Kay Redfield is now one of the foremost authoriities on Manic Depressive illness and well as the Professor of Psychiatry at the John Hopkins School of Medicine.
Although Kay’s story touches more around mental illness than addiction, Kay’s story of recovery is empowering. It helps us to learn and recognize just how much more complex addiction can be to treat when a person is struggling with underlying Axis 1 psychiatric diagnosis. Well worth the read.
April 20, 2009 at 5:30 pm |
I see the 15 year old who robbed and beat his aged grandfather, got cought, charged and convicted. At 17 entered treatment. One year later his Grandfather presented his first year sobriety Birthday cake. Today, many years later, this same young man is gainfully employed and still enjoys a sober life.
April 20, 2009 at 5:55 pm |
Great idea Jeff! Society loves to focus on the negative aspects of Addiction and recovery! I have always sensed that this is primarily driven by the the countless untreated co-dependents seeking revenge!
When dealing with families, especially in an intervention situation, I have alwys found it crucial to counter the negativity with success stories of recovery!
I have had the pleasure of attending meetings in several countries and love to witness the 180 degree change in peoples lives! Personally I work with First Nation clients on the west coast and have had the honour of witnessing the sobriety and growth of numerous clients! And as survivors of horrible abuse in the Residential Schools they had reached the utter depths of PTSD and Addiction/Alcoholism! Watching these elders regain their health and dignity is truly amazing!
April 20, 2009 at 6:14 pm |
I would bet, that most folks that turn their lives around after being on the street or having to battle addiction, somewhere along the road were met with respect and dignity. I find that the scarelett letter of addiction is often shouded in stigma and discrimination and that is no way going to motivate individual to change.
April 20, 2009 at 6:44 pm |
Alcohol addiction took over a woman’s life, before she knew a “woman” could be an alcoholic. She was a cub leader, Sunday School teacher and Choir singer. She still had her job as a nurse. She did not loose her kids, home, car etc. but she was a lost long before her first drink and in that she thought she was found. It took her places that she had never had the courage to go before.
In recovery, she found herself and since then she has lived a sober happy life. She has gone through divorce, death, graduations and seen many grandchildren born. As an addiction councellor today she brings hope to many, is a great role model not only to her own family but to the community as a whole. I am very proud to know both the old and the new person and will ever be greatful that whatever she went through then has made her who she is today.
April 20, 2009 at 6:53 pm |
Why addiction I ask? Could it be used for medicating a mental health problem? Also as a social crutch or as a tool to cope with life itself?
Only when suffering exceeds ego, that one will ask for help and as such be able to trasncend addiction. A well known psychologist wrote that addicted people are lucky because, they have to deal with problems that 95% of the population dont even know or want to know exist.
A lot of persons I know have grown leaps and bounds while dealind with addiction…. . What does not kill you will make you stronger!
Love in it’s essence thru peace of mind irradiates from true recovering addicted persons. The do not focus on oneself but, on others. T’is better to love than be loved….
April 20, 2009 at 6:59 pm |
Hi Jeff: What a wonderful gift to have a forum to discuss such a serious and often misunderstood topic. And to that very point, we have come to understand, and it is has long since been agreed upon and documented in the medical and scientific communities, that addiction is in fact a disease. Those who do not know the true nature of addiction will often negate this truth by stating that it is “self inflicted” therefore not truly a disease. I have learned that; as was often quoted in my early days of recovery, that “it doesn’t matter much how the jackass got in the ditch, what matters most is how we get her out”. There is a simple solution, but hardly easy. If you even “think” you need help, there are mulitudes of self help groups, recovery centres, healthcare intervention facilities and such throughout the world. The basic requirement – a willingness to grasp and develop a manner of living which demands rigourous honesty. Again for many with addiction/s, this is a very big stumbling block! The other not so obvious requirement is that we need to become teachable so that we can allow others to teach us this new way of life. Then we need to practice, practice, practice.
April 20, 2009 at 8:26 pm |
Dear Jeff,
Thank you so much for opening this opportunity for international discourse regarding our collective mission and vision.
When Monday rolls around, this forum will offer a timely reminder of what we are about and an inspiration to reaffirm our purpose and increase our energy and determination.
Best Regards,
Margaret
April 20, 2009 at 9:01 pm |
Hello everyone, my name is Steven Smith, I am a 43 yr old recovering addict who has been in recovery from substance abuse and gambling for 4 and a half years now. My bottom finally tracked me down and bonked me on the head at the end of 2004 on New Years Eve. I will spare you all the ridiculous details as I’m sure you all have a pretty good idea where addiction takes a person after 25 years of debauchery.
When I entered treatment on Jan 3 2005 at Bellwood in T.O I had never been to treatment, a meeting or so much as even admitted to anyone I had a collosal cocaine addiction. Upon arriving at Bellwood it was brought to my attention that recovery was going to require abstinence from all drugs and addictive behaviours. This did not sit very well with me; I was convinced I had them on a technicality in that they had told me that I had to want to quit cocaine for this treatment to be successful and I had no desire to quit pot and gambling not to mention booze so they might just as well give my Dad his 20 grand back and I would be on my way. They suggested I give it some thought over a few days and I did take their advice to begin journalling. After one particularily shitty day I wrote in my journal, “get your shit together, whatever it takes PERIOD” and went to bed angry. The next day I woke up and read that entry and that was it, here I am 4 and a half years later. I am just finishing up my last semester of the Drug and Alcohol Counsellor program at Fleming College and have secured employment at the Brock Cottage Treatment Centre in Brockville On.
I returned to Bellwood numerous times for aftercare and on one particular trip back (about 6 months sober) I was speaking to one of the counsellors and telling him how good my life was and he said yeah well it gets better. I thought he had misinterpreted what I was saying and I remember thinking that he wasn’t a particularily good listener for someone who is a counsellor…well it turns out he was right!!! It does just keep getting better and better. I am still very active in AA NA and GA, I can not even begin to explain to people how good my life and my relationships with family and loved ones are now that I am sober. Whenever I try it just sounds like I am bragging and I guess maybe I am. But believe me, it is much better to have to listen to me brag than to try to come up with a good excuse not to lend me some money like the old days!!! Yours in Service Steven Smith
April 21, 2009 at 12:13 pm |
I just read through all the blogs and Steve Smiths blog made me decide to leave my thoughts…also I realized that it is 4-20 international pot smoking day what a great day to start this blog Jeff
I too had struggled with a number of addictions: speed and cocanie being the worst of them, I did some bing drinking too and some daily toking and tobbaco smoking as well as when I quit amphitmines I developed a relationship with coffee, when I quit smoking I developed an unhealthy connection with food! All of which I thought was not a big deal. I was raised in a sort of hippy biker home and obvious to me now, have developed a extremely tolerant attitude to the softest of the stimulants. I quit all the hard drugs at least a hundred years ago… even stopped partying and drinking abit too much, even told myself how much I hated drunks to keep myself away from house parties and bars (really I think I was trying to stay away from coke). I kept the pot close to home telling myself that it was natural medicine, to some degree I still believe that in moderation it could be extremely helpful. It wasn’t until my marriage of three months failed that I quit tobbacco, I kept asking myself why I would have attracted such an addictive personality to me, tobbacco being the only addiction I could see at the time! I finally developed breathing difficulties later which forced the issue around finally fully quitting tobacco and pot smoking all together. And than after years of dodging the inner voices I heard them loud and clear you are addicted to men with addictions because of your childhood. I have been caught in the never ending story of TRYING to help fix broken folks. It is not such a bad thing as long as I keep it to my profession but somehow I continue to make friendships with them and eventually bring them home! My family are still involved in pot smoking, drinking and the odd recreational use of other things. I guess I will always have these realities even though I have reduced my relationships with them to Christmas dinners etc… But I miss them as a whole for sure… I can’t seem to find a fella without some kind of addiction whether it be a bit of gambling to smoking pot….I will keep trying….Today I am a woman who has pulled herself away from the “otherside of the tracks” where welfare was our only honest income and no hope for a decent lifestyle was anywhere in site, to having created a million dollar estate and business as a single woman. Before I end this blog I would like to say that I am now taking on the bigggest job of my life – to deprogram my 16 year old son who has developed a soft pot head spot, although he has shut down the heavy daily use, he smoked half the day away on 4-20 
I believe he is smart enough to understand he will need to change all this behaviour as I help him get him license and into college.
April 20, 2009 at 10:29 pm |
It’s amazing how many people think their life is over when they realize they are addicted. My wife and I are two such people but the truth is that when we found out we had a problem we became able to work on the issues and made incredible changes in our lives. Today we are both in the field helping others see their addiction as a doorway to a new life. Recovery has been wonderful and helping others find their way has been even better.
April 20, 2009 at 11:26 pm |
I see examples daily of the miracles of recovery. I recently had a 1995 graduate of a correctional treatment program speak to our commencement group with his wife, whom he reunited with after a divorce due to drugs. They presented how addiction affects the family and others and that there is hope. Thanks for an outlet to read about and share in the light of hope.
Frank
April 21, 2009 at 1:09 am |
Great blog Jeff….
My story about addiction is one of non-addiction. I am such a self control freak I am terrifyed of using any mind altering substances. However, I saw my father battle with alcoholism all his life and what it did to our family I vowed after his early death to do something about it.
That is why I am so commited to Prevention…as much as treatment will always be needed for many individuals, prevention is much less costly in so many fronts…we must embrace evidence-based prevention and competent prevention proffesionals and the science of the field as a whole.
FGM
April 21, 2009 at 2:36 am |
Jeff, this is a great idea! I counsel with people that are addicted to Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs, but the best example I can give is my husband. He was an active alcoholic, drug addict, and smoked tobacco. He stopped everything over 25 years ago, and made a tremendous tranformation in his life. There is no way I could have married him while he was in the throes of addiction! Unless someone is ready to change, he/she simply will not change. I thank God that he was ready to change and that he changed his life years ago.
April 21, 2009 at 2:41 am |
I would like to hear people’s opinions on the ’12-Steps’ versus the ‘Stages of Change’.
April 27, 2009 at 4:35 pm |
I have been working in the field for 19 years. Stages of Change are an excellent approach that I have used in my work treating addictions for the past 14 years. I love it. This model is respectful and effective.
It provides clarity and focus to move a substance dependent individual who desires change through all the stages of change to the action stage (abstinence from substance use).
At this point, I lay aside the Stages of Change model unless the patient lapses back to a previous stage and we re-visit the work we have done to remove any remaining obstacles or ambivalence they have about their decision to remain abstinent.
I use the the 12 Step Model exclusively once a decision has been made for abstinence.
In the action stage of change, Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy is an effective therapeutic tool. Statistically in the field and in my own experience as a clinician, it is proven to be the most effective and lasting model for sustained, long term abstinence.
This model is used in “community” where the dependent person is assisted and held accountable by peers who have suffered from a similar dependence and been through the same recovery process. Each step entails deep understanding, rigorous self honesty, facing consequences of use to self and others, taking responsibility for harms done, removal of self destructive patterns and deep neurotic pathologies, identification of the 3 fold illness at depth, acceptance of illness, empowerment outside of self, self responsibility, healing of mental, emotional and spiritual malady, peace of mind and eventually, full self acceptance.
Self efficacy and self esteem are restored and the client becomes a functioning member of society.
April 21, 2009 at 4:29 am |
Super idea, this blog overall, Jeff. As a recovering AA member. I know how important it is to share our feelings and thoughts with others.
I can think of a few celebrities who have successfully turned their lives and careers around, but the recoveries that impress me the most are the ones made by the average folk in the AA program. One of my best friends lost his marriage, home, and job through his drinking exploits, but several years later, through taking action on himself through the AA program, he is happily remarried, has raised his children from his first marriage and one from his new marriage, and has a spiritually-inspired vocation as a yoga instructer and reiki practitioner mainly for seniors and for adults with Parkinson’s Disease.
I could recount many other such miracle stories – including my own- but I will end for now with “thank God for the people and the program of AA”.
April 21, 2009 at 5:41 am |
It’s been an amazing journey (so far). For my 25 yrs of clean time I have been privileged to have spent 23 of them working with addicts just like myself. My path like many of us has led me through the hallways of schools and the rooms of 12 Steps. In that 25 years it has never ceased to amaze me that a good number of clients and cohorts have traveled the same path as I have and have become well known and respected service providers, counselors , managers, and teachers in the field. I have contacts in detoxes, outpatient treatment clinics, treatment centers and hospitals that were once clients and are now referral sources. I do believe that we are slowly taking over the world, which really wouldn’t hurt the world at all!!! Blessings Jeff for thinking this one up and bringing our world closer than ever.
April 21, 2009 at 12:59 pm |
Jeff
Congratulations on such a novel approach to such a good idea.
I am again inspired when I read the stories that are shared.
I also have wonderful stories – working with the older population that would not be accepted ‘in programs’ because they would rather (and will) die before they admit they have a problem.
Yet with support and respect, they find ways to contribute and share. More often than not, without the assistance of a substance.
Let’s not forget those that will never hold a paying job again, whose legs are to weary to walk. They, too, deserve our time and respect.
As always, great work, Jeff.
Eileen
April 21, 2009 at 2:31 pm |
This is a great idea Jeff. Thanks for sending me the link. I have to say it was rather serendipidous that this came today because I’ve been working in the field for 25 years and lately I’ve become very discouraged. I’m not so much discouraged with the addicts and alcoholics that I work with. I’m discouraged with the society we live in that continues to downplay the harm that addition does in the lives of individuals and their families. I’m particularly discouraged that prescription drug addiction is seriously on the rise and that many docs aren’t particularly interested in becoming part of the solution. However, it gives me great joy to have our clients call or return to visit and see in their eyes when they get it. Their gratitude for recovery keeps me going.
In truth, it may be time for me to move out of the field; to let go and let God. Time will tell. I just want those up and coming in this field to remember to always include the spiritual side to this recovery thing because this field is unique in that regard. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but people are starving for a spiritual connection in their lives and that’s the truth.
Also, if you’re in recovery and working in the field let me stress this…KEEP GOING TO YOUR SELF HELP MEETINGS!! Lately I’ve seen a few folks who have worked in this business a long time go down to their addictions, but they weren’t going to meetings. This work does not provide what your meetings do. The work is draining and you need to continue to fill yourself with hope and strength. You cannot get that from the work. Having said that, it’s a great field to work in and God bless you all who toil daily in this field.
mcelia
April 21, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
My favourite client was the gentleman who went to treatment four times and each time within three months was drinking again. The company would simply not give up on him and sent him for the “last time” (the third and fourth were also the “last time” )…and the fifth time it all came together, the previous knowledge and support he had gained from the four “failed” attempts which of course were not failures but were stage setting, the ongoing support from union and management and finally having the psycho and social align with the bio.
So he goes back to the workplace, joins the EAP as a union counsellor, gets active in the union that helped save his life and works his way up the executive giving back, grateful for every day of sobriety and always giving back but the best part for me was that he became Santa every year at the company Christmas party… not succeeding initially at treatment is not failure, just part of the journey to recovery, as long as you keep moving forward on the path
April 21, 2009 at 4:44 pm |
Hello Jeff, Tony G told me about your Blog and we both think that it’s about time, the field can really use a “Voice of the people”. I was lucky enough to have went through Treatment over fourty years ago, five freinds and I started a program that I named Phoenix House! When we started this Therapeutic Communitiy I had just completed detox from Heroin and had recently been released from a five year prison term for drug related offences, TREATMENT SAVED MY LIFE, I have no doubt that I would have been long dead, were it not for treatment. I have now been involved with running and developing T.C Treatment programs in the Community, in prison settings and conducting training for this in many States and a few countrys, I am still in close contact with many people that were my peers in treatment, one of whom was my roommate for a good deal of my Phoenix House adventure. TREATMENT WORKS! Let’s hear from more of us that were blessed and given that second chance at life. Jeff, congrat’s from an old time EX-ADDICT! RON WILLIAMS
April 21, 2009 at 5:40 pm |
The “miracle” of recovery is possible and it is often demonstrated by the seemingly most hopeless cases. Lloyd got sober through treatment and AA in Montreal over 30 years ago. Everyone thought he would die, after suffering two drug induced heart attacks and heavy, chronic drinking and hard drug use for over 15 years. In recovery, he has gone through divorce, serious poblems with one of his children, and other personal trials but has maintained sobriety through it all. I am so proud of this guy!!
April 21, 2009 at 5:58 pm |
Jeff, as usual, you are allowing us to benefit from your wisdom and vision. Thanks for the forum.
Just over 13 years ago, I visited a fellow who was incarcerated for trafficking cocaine and posession of an assault gun. I didn’t know that he was my best friend waiting to meet me, but all this time later I know who to turn to when I need a “brother”. I saw him numerous times until his release a year later and took him to a meeting that very night. The change in him was palpable and it still moves me beyond compare when I think of it.
In time, he met a wonderful woman and they now have two little ones in addition to her older daughters. He is a great dad and I am incredibly proud of him and proud to be his friend.
My final thought on this is that we in the recovery community need to reach out whenever possible and try to help those that are lost and in need of direction. Your life will be so much richer for the effort.
April 21, 2009 at 6:46 pm |
ha there just wanted to share a little bit about my story i,m not sure if it,s a success story but then again i,m still alive and getting better so it has to be a success i,ve struggle with my addictions for a long time i,ve been in aa close to 20 years i would love to say i,ve been clean and sober the whole time but the fact is i,ve made alot of mistakes and i,m still learning from those mistakes like i said i,ve been around the program for close to 20 years and i,m just coiming to trms with a chemical imbalance in my brain that send my thinking into a whirlwind i,m presently taking medication to correct this problem and i,m srarting to see the light at the end of the tunnel or i should say the light at the beginning something to light up my life and i,m looking forward to life and what it has to offer i,m in seach of the ultimate happiness the same happiness i use to look for at the bottom of a bottle and with the next fix the only difference know is that i,m getting the same happiness from my creator which makes it a good thing i hope this helps someone at least don,t ever give up on yourself cause your worth it just ask god i,m sure he,ll agree
April 22, 2009 at 1:10 am |
Jeff: What a marvelous forum. The testimony of those in recovery is inspiring. I wonder how we can build a wall of stories and have it available so that our clients and friends ( and yes ourselves) could easily glance at these shared thoughts and help get through a tough moment or a rough patch in the road.
Recovery is much more than living without poisons. Recovery is a way of life and for those of us who are not in recovery from an addiction I think it is important, both as positive feedback and a sign of self growth that you acknowledge what you learn from people ion recovery. For me that is a daily event and I feel very lucky to have access to that readdirmation that comes with my work. As a cancer survivor I acknowledge the morning every morning and I think the importance of that ritual is linked to being exposed to and growing with recovering people.
April 22, 2009 at 2:00 am |
Jeff,
Great to see that you have started such a positive blog. I am really pleased to see that it has seen such a warm reception. I will be sure to check back regularly. Keep up the inspiration!!
Chris
April 22, 2009 at 1:14 pm |
Hello Jeff and All
You are right about the negative portrayal of addictions and how it continues to marginalize people. Recovery is a much better way to approach addictions and will lead to success.
Thanks for starting this blog Jeff!!!
April 22, 2009 at 1:14 pm |
Thanx for creating this forum which offers worldwide opportunity for sharing and informing. I welcome the broader scope of recovery insights that this blog can provide.
April 22, 2009 at 2:32 pm |
Jeff, the idea for this blog is wonderful.
After having been in the field of addiction management, we have countless of beautiful `recovery testimonies`. Just recently, we received a call from someone who thanked us for our involvement in his recovery. He had just attained his 25th year of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous.
However, the small steps in recovery are as important as the large achievements.
Currently, we are working with ex IV drug users on Methadone. And each day when I walk into class I see wonderful miracles. They are on the road to recovery one day at the time and each of those days is a miracle. One such day is as important as obtaining a Doctorate or Masters degree, or good employment, or a full restoration of relationships.
That`s why my wife and I have become addicted to being addiction workers.
Keep it up, Jeff. Greetings from Lima, Peru. Will leave for Canada today. Will be returning in the Fall to assist a local Therapeutic Community in Lima with some needed training. Work in addictions is so rewarding!!!
John
April 22, 2009 at 8:25 pm |
I was a Professor of Addiction Studies in a college of The State University of New York. Just over 10 years ago a beautiful but painfully shy and insecure young woman enrolled in our Counselor Curriculum, her first attempt ever at college courses. A grown woman, her history included two alcoholic parents, addicted siblings, a mother who died when she was 13 (leaving her to run the household), dropping out of high school to go to work, and a painful life-long history of addiction and loss of direction.
Today she has three academic degrees, a CASAC, a LCSW, and is a counselor, a researcher, a staff trainer and my daughter-in-law. Don’t tell me miracles don’t happen.
April 24, 2009 at 4:08 pm |
Thank you for this opportunity Jeff. We have never met but your blog was passed to me by a friend. While the amount of inspiring stories here are wonderful and make for nice reading, i am reminded of the phrase”Social respectability does not equal recovery”. I have fallen into this trap before. I need to remember why it is that I am ” in recovery” It is only because a power greater than myself entered into my life and led me to the basements of churches to meet others like me. The inspiring stories I remember are the lost souls that MIRACULOUSLY find their way to others like them and then the change starts. That to me is the most inspiring story. The newcomer. That is success. The lost ones who are found the lonely who find a friend the illiterate who learn how to read the man who has never shed a tear, weep. And the addict who couldn’t stay clean for a single day comeback to his second meeting clean.Thanks for the opportunity to share
April 26, 2009 at 8:23 pm |
Jim thanks for reminding us what recovery is all about: OTHERS,
Jeff
April 27, 2009 at 12:45 am |
I have been blessed with the ability to work with people who have substance abuse and addiction issues for almost twenty years. I have personally witnessed 100′s of miracles of people who were down and out and are now fully functioning people. The most amazing paradox occurs in recovery that I think the general public does not understand, or maybe chooses not to understand-that to gain a life back you must surrender it first. How many thousands of times I have seen a desperately controlling alcoholic do everything in there own power to try and control the amount of use, but to no avail. As soon as they surrender and give up trying to control the substance, and admit they can’t use safely any more, they do not drink again. Truly a miracle each and every time I am blessed to witness it.
Thanks for letting me in on this great blog Jeff.
April 28, 2009 at 3:04 am |
Addiction is one of the rare diseases that you are fortunate enough to gain a better life through your recovery.
Recovery can be a similiar process to the caterpillar who goes into their coccon and emerges as a new and improved butterfly.
May 17, 2009 at 7:04 am |
Yep. My addiction has been the doorway into a new way of life. Because I was defeated and rendered powerless, I needed help. AA granted me that help. A treatment center was an important part of that help, after 7 years in the program.
When I hurt, I can medicate or I can meditate. AA teaches me how to do the latter. Meditation takes me into that place of wisdom where I an my Higher Power are one. It takes me into that “place” where I can be trusting and open to what I have heard at AA meetings, and have read in recovery literature.
This blog is a constructive thing, born out of adiction, among other things. Congratulations on your positive and constructive post-addiction action, Jeff.
June 1, 2009 at 2:01 pm |
This blog is a great forum for those of us in the Addiction Field to share experience, strength, hope and resources. I was reading one of the earlier comments on Prochaska and Di Clemente’s Stages of Change Model and I would like to invite any of you living in Alabama to attend Motivational Interviewing Training which incorportaes the Stages of Change. I will be sponsoring a training free of charge June 11, 2009 in Demopolis, Alabama if anyone is interested in attending. http://www.scattc.org or jleary@uab.edu Joan