Many people new to recovery show up to detox or treatment with reservations. You may feel nervous, angry, or alone in your first days of recovery. “Do I belong in recovery?” is a question that you might ask yourself when you start to focus on the differences between yourself and other people in recovery. This reservation -- believing that you’re not like everyone else -- is a way your mind can trick you into relapse. This trick is why comparing insides, not outsides, is vital in recovery.
If you used substances and continued to use them despite adverse consequences, you belong. Anyone who has trouble controlling their use of substances is welcome in recovery.
“Othering” Will Hold You Back From Growth
Addiction does not discriminate; people from all walks of life can end up with a substance use disorder. That may mean that when you’re in a therapy group or 12-step room, the people in the room with you may not look like you. They may wear different clothes, have different skin colors, be other genders, etc. Diversity is beautiful, but you may not be thinking of that when your mind is trying to trick you into using. Instead, you may start to believe you don’t belong.
“Othering” people is a way to discriminate and shut down from listening when you’re in a group setting. But humans are more than their clothing, the way they talk, the money they have or their origins. You may think because a person comes from a different background, they have no experience to offer you. You’re unique, special, and nobody quite understands you. It can be easy to say, “I’m not like the others” when you’re looking for an excuse to relapse.
Your brain may tell you that if you’re not like everyone else, then maybe your addiction isn’t like theirs, either. This is a blatant lie that can set you up for relapse.
Comparing Inside, Not Outsides
Addiction has the same symptoms (a burning desire to get high or drunk, and an inability to control your substance use) for everyone. Recovery, therefore, is for anyone willing to put in the work to stay sober.
When you’re at a meeting or in a group and feel like you don’t belong, it’s time to close your eyes and listen. Much of your early time in recovery will probably be spent listening. When you listen, you’re not paying attention to what a person looks like. You’re listening for feelings, which are things in common for all human beings.
Listening to Others
Addiction is a disease that involves feelings and compulsion. You may hear stories of pain and failure, triumph, and peace – there are so many aspects of addiction and recovery that newcomers need to hear and understand. You’ll probably hear some stories of addiction you can relate to – but you’ll also get the chance to listen to stories of recovery that you can hope for, too.
Start listening to people and stop looking for ways to “other” them. If it means closing your eyes for the first few months, you’re sober, so be it. It’s important to realize that you’re all human beings in this together – and sometimes the only way to listen is to stop comparing your outsides, and start listening to what people are feeling and experiencing on the insides.
Getting and Staying Sober
Everyone starts somewhere in recovery. You probably have questions about how to get the help you need or whether it’s available during the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is YES, we are here for you and ready to help. Pick up the phone and call us at 619-363-4767.
As of right now, Present Moments Residential and Intensive Outpatient Programs are open and accepting clients.
Please note, out of an abundance of caution, we are canceling outside meetings, as well as professional tours and staff travels.
We will continue to follow directives from the CDC for next steps as to what precautions to take and how to evolve our treatment protocol. Our clinical and executive team are monitoring the situation closely and we are able to make necessary adjustments in real-time.
These are some of the precautions we are taking to keep our clients and staff safe:
- Increased sanitization of our facilities for infection control. We have increased cleaning and maintenance for a complete thorough wipe down of all facilities and common areas. Staff has been instructed to perform routine disinfection of surfaces and other areas where infection can be transmitted, i.e., doorknobs, light switches, etc.
- Posted informational signs on proper hand-washing techniques and hand sanitizing in common areas
- Re-fresher training for employees on handwashing and hand sanitization measures.
- Instituted screenings for visitors. Anyone deemed a possible risk to our clients or staff will not be allowed at the Treatment Center.
- An additional screening process for potential admissions that includes questions about symptoms, recent illnesses, travel overseas, and family or friends who have symptoms or traveled abroad.
- Upon admission, all clients are always evaluated in person by our Medical Doctor to further reduce the possibility of the introduction of a virus into the treatment environment. Current clients will continue to receive bi-weekly evaluations from our trained staff.
- Developed specific health and safety protocols for any clients presenting with flu-like symptoms, including emergency isolation protocols.
- Dispersed flu/COVID-19 prevention information and instructed staff to stay home if they are sick per CDC recommendations. Staff who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.
- Instructed all clients to report any symptoms to staff immediately no matter how mild.
- Temporarily divert client outings (this includes outside meetings) - alternative & virtual options are being made available
The safety of our residents and staff is our top priority and we will continue to assess this situation and provide updates.
Sincerely,
Creating new friendships in recovery is a vital part of living a sober lifestyle. One of the first and most difficult decisions when you first get sober is giving up old people, places and things. It’s not safe to be around people who are using drugs or talking about their lifestyle. You may worry that you’ll be lonely or have nothing to do when you’re sober. Your brain may tell you that you’re alone in your battle against addiction, but nothing can be further from the truth. Building new relationships and trust can take time.
How Can You Meet New People?
12-step meetings are a great place to find others for friendship and support. But you don’t have to limit your friendships to people at your meetings.
You can choose to branch out and explore new hobbies and friendships. Here are a few suggestions to get started:
- Explore old hobbies. Before you began abusing substances, what kinds of activities gave you joy? Was there something you loved to do as a child that you can now pick up as an adult? Join a Meetup group online or take a local class. You’ll learn to have fun and meet others who share that interest.
- Join a group. There are groups of people in recovery that like to share their hobbies. Sometimes they host events. Ask around about movie nights, jogging groups, or surfers that like to meet up together.
- Travel to meetings. Sometimes it’s fun to get out of your normal routine and explore 12-step meetings. If you live in a city, try to get out to the suburbs now and then.
- Go to events. Many areas host events for the holidays. Dances, potlucks, and parties are a regular part of many recovery communities.
Networking With Others
First of all, it’s important that you choose your network of friends wisely. It’s ok to have friends that are new to recovery like you, but you need old-timers to help you become stable. It’s also highly recommended that you don’t date in your first year of sobriety so that you can focus on yourself.
Listen to the meetings you go to. When you meet a person that you find inspiring, ask them if you can get their phone number. Of course, you can ask about their Facebook in most cases if they’re comfortable with that.
If you’re struggling to meet new people in recovery, speak up at a meeting and introduce yourself. Let people know that you’re new and you want to meet new people. Everyone needs as many friends as they can get.
If you really want new friends, you must be a friend, too. Text your new contacts and ask them how they're doing. If you're bored, invite them to hang out with you. Friendship is a two-way street.
Getting Help for Addiction
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? You’re right where you need to be. Getting clean and sober is a journey that most people need help with. We offer a comprehensive rehabilitation program to help get your mind, body, and spirit healthy again. For more information on how we can help you, please give us a call at 619-363-4767.
Many people in recovery, especially from highly addictive drugs, find themselves feeling depressed from time to time. Getting clean doesn’t make life perfect, and as you adjust to life without the use of substances, you may discover new emotions pop up.
One reason that you might feel down when you’re first getting clean and sober, your body is still adjusting. Addiction changes the brain and creates chemical imbalances. These types of damage will heal over time. In the meantime, you’re left to cope with mood swings and sometimes headaches or other symptoms. Long-term recovery means healing your body, mind and spirit. For most, this means learning about self-care, learning to live by spiritual principles, and doing your best to be the person you want to be.
Coping with Depression
If you’re feeling blue, remember that this too shall pass. Here are a few great ways to kick those blue feelings to the curb:
- Take a walk every day. Regular exercise helps get your blood pumping and fills your brain with feel-good endorphins, the chemicals that help regulate your mood. Many people find that regular exercise helps curb stress as well as depressive symptoms. Science also shows that people who exercise regularly are more likely to have normal blood pressure and are less likely to acquire diabetes.
- Do something you truly enjoy. Often people just don’t take time for themselves when they first enter recovery. It’s okay, however, to take some time to do things you enjoy. Play with your dog, read a good book, or binge watch Netflix for a few hours every week.
- Practice self-care. Take the time to be good to yourself. Enjoy a long bath, do some yoga, or spend time in mindfulness meditations at least once a day. Self-care tasks are a great way to reward yourself and help yourself keep going on tough days.
- Share your feelings with others. If you’ve been feeling blue or depressed, let people in your recovery group and support system know what’s going on. They will probably have some experience to share with you.
Feeling down or blue is normal, but if you find yourself feeling depressed for weeks, or you feel like hurting yourself or others, it’s time to get help. Deppression is a real disease and many people discover they were self-medicating when they were drinking or using drugs. A qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can help diagnose clinical depression and help you make a plan for treating it.
Get Help for Addiction
Substance abuse disorder is a disease that needs treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, get help. There’s no better time to reclaim your life. Call us at 1-619-363-4767 to learn more about how we can help you transform your life.
Professional with sterling clinical performance record, including working with wounded warriors and law enforcement agencies, has assumed the role of Executive Clinical Director at Present Moments treatment center.
San Diego, CA – The Executive Team of Present Moments Recovery is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Richardson as the organization’s Executive Clinical Director. Present Moments Recovery is a privately-held company dedicated to substance use treatment programs in San Diego communities.
Richardson has been working in the alcohol and other drug field for more than 24 years in various treatment facilities, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, private-pay clinics, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment programs. She has vast experience working with law enforcement agencies such as probation, parole, juvenile justice, family law and public defender’s office serving various populations including women, children and male/female offenders. Most recently, Sandra has been working with veterans and wounded warriors.
“We’re extraordinarily pleased to have someone of her caliber and vast success in helping individuals recover and get back to living rewarding lives,” said Mark Gladden, CEO. “Her broad knowledge of substance use and family health issues coupled with years of experience working with treatment centers makes her well positioned to lead us going forward. She’s committed to our cause which is to support people’s healing process.”
As Executive Clinical Director Richardson will be responsible for hand picking and overseeing the clinical team for Present Moments continuum of care model, as well as developing individualized curriculum based upon both customary methods as well as cutting edge approaches.
Richardson has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from National University and a master’s degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy from University of Phoenix. She is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor with the State of California.
Learn more about Present Moments Recover by visiting our website at www.presentmomentsrecovery.com
# # #
About Present Moments Recovery
Present Moments Recovery is a privately-owned business headquartered in Carlsbad, California with a mission to provide an individualized, multi-leveled treatment program that addresses the mind, body and spirit with compassionate, timely and effective treatment modalities. We do this by offering safe, nurturing, alcohol and drug free professional treatment and aftercare housing for men and women suffering with the disease of addiction. Present Moments Recovery supports industry non-profits for the good populations they serve to promote a greater access to treatment programs.
Anger is a powerful emotion that can manifest itself in many ways. Often a person in recovery doesn’t recognize the symptoms until it’s too late and may make the mistake of acting out on that anger. Rage can be a dangerous trigger for using and needs to be avoided. If you have outbursts of rage, punch walls, or find yourself cursing in traffic or under your breath at work, then you’re dealing with anger in an unhealthy way. If you blow up at somebody, you will probably make you feel guilt or shame. Feelings like guilt and shame are one reason anger can be toxic to people new in recovery. But you don't havge to react like you once did to anger. It’s time to learn some new coping skills.
If you’re in recovery, or currently have a substance use disorder, you may feel like you don’t know how to manage your anger. Maybe no one ever taught you or maybe just one day you think it just went out of control all on its own.
Symptoms of Toxic Anger
When you’re angry, do you:
- Become abusive? Do you hit, punch, push or hurt other people? Do you threaten people with violent acts? If this sounds
like you, you need to seek out a therapist. Violence is never the right thing to do, and you need to learn to control your behavior. - Manipulate others? Do you act in a way that makes somebody close to you feel bad? Do you do things so you can get a specific reaction from somebody? Do you use people?
- Go numb? Some people who have experienced traumatic experience use this as a defense mechanism.
- Freeze with anxiety? Anxiety can keep people from healthily expressing their anger. It can also take a toll on your daily life.
like you, you need to seek out a therapist. Violence is never the right thing to do, and you need to learn to control your behavior.
Ways to Calm Your Anger
Calming your anger may take some time, but the good news that it’s something that you can practice and plan.
If you’re angry, one of the quickest and easiest things to do is concentrate on your breathing. This is also an excellent exercise for people with anxiety. Breathing exercises can slow your body’s response down, and give you time to think rationally.
Meditation can also help you begin to slow down and become a calmer, more centered person. Some people in recovery even swear by yoga, but it’s really up to you to decide what you enjoy the most.
Exercise is also a great way to rid your body of stress and anxiety. When you break a sweat, your body releases endorphins, which are the natural feel-good, calming chemicals that help you battle stress every day.
If you’ve been violent when you’re angry, a therapist is an excellent place to start learning about anger management. There are also support groups that people can go to when their anger is out of control. Look online for support groups in your area. Manipulation is something that many people start doing during their addiction, and it’s genuinely a toxic behavior you need to explore with a professional therapist and your support group in recovery.
Anger can be a serious trigger when you're new to recovery. So if you're struggling with it, please don't "go it alone." Get help coping with it.
Getting Help for Substance Abuse
Addiction can lead to a lot of behaviors that can make you feel bad about yourself. Recovery, however, is for anyone. No matter who you are or where you come from, there is the chance to reclaim your life and feel whole again. You deserve another chance. We are here to help you. Give us a call at (619) 363-4767 to learn more about our treatment centers and how we can help you, from detox to longer-term treatment.
Addiction (also known as substance use disorder) is a devious and sometimes confusing disease. However, many signs and symptoms may alert loved ones to the fact that a person is in trouble with their drug or alcohol use. Drug-seeking behavior, financial issues, and drama with relationships and even the law are signs that something is wrong. People who are addicted to drugs may have different symptoms, depending on the drug they use. People can become addicted to any mind-altering substance. However, some drugs are more addictive than others. These are important to know because “hitting bottom” or experiencing negative consequences can snowball quickly for the drug user as they begin to need more of the drug.
- Heroin: Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs and one of the most dangerous. It’s been used in many years all over the world as a narcotic, derived from the poppy plant. As an opiate, heroin quickly affects the brain, eliminating any pain signals and giving the user an intense euphoric high. Users rapidly also develop a tolerance to the drug, making them need more amounts to get the same rush they first experienced when getting high. When a person who uses heroin problems tries to cease using, they experience intense withdrawal symptoms. Often they choose to use again because these symptoms are so unpleasant or painful.
- Opioids: Similar to heroin, opioids are fueling an addiction crisis across the Unit4ed States due to lax prescribing and regulation. Opioids such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicoden are all highly addictive drugs. They operate in the same way as heroin, with the difference being that they’re pharmaceutical drugs. They are made in a lab, not from the poppy plant, but they work the same way. Withdrawal is a considerable issue that stops people from getting help for this addiction, and people often resort to heroin when they can’t get their drug of choice.
people often resort to heroin when they can’t get their drug of choice.
- Crack cocaine: Crack cocaine spurred a crisis of addiction, drug wars and mass incarceration throughout primarily inner-city communities in the 1990’s. Many stereotypes still surround this drug, and a lot of stigmas encompass its use. However, crack is incredibly similar (just more potent) to its more “designer” counterpart, cocaine. Crack is considered more addictive than cocaine because it’s more powerful, and its high is short-lived. Many people who use crack are unable to quit because of its powerful high. It gives users euphoria and more energy, making them jittery as well as high. The intense lasts about 15 minutes. People who become addicted to crack crash from that high and seek it again immediately, without realizing that they are quickly becoming addicted to the drug.
- Methamphetamine: This drug is also an “upper” with a high that can last for hours and cause the user to stay awake for hours or days. The high stimulates almost ten times as much of dopamine as is normal, causing extreme euphoria, adrenaline and sometimes paranoia too. The brain chemistry is immediately effected when a person has used meth. With the extreme high comes an extreme crash – making the user feel depressed and lethargic almost immediately after they “come down”. The withdrawal effects of meth are dangerous and can include nausea, vomiting, tremors, fever, seizures and hallucinations.
Many other drugs are addictive out there, but these are some of the most dangerous and, unfortunately, popular among addicted persons. Help is available no matter how bad you feel your addiction is! Recovery is possible.
If you or somebody you know thinks they have a problem with drugs, help is available. Please give us a call at 619-363-4767.
in this country. In 2013, an estimated 22.7 million Americans (8.6
percent) needed treatment for a problem related to drugs or alcohol, but only
about 2.5 million people (0.9 percent) received treatment at a specialty
facility.
early sixties. This increase is, in part, due to the aging of the baby
boomers, whose rates of illicit drug use have historically been higher than
those of previous generations.
illegal drug use among the baby boom generation, people born between 1946 and
1964, suggest that the number of older adults using illegal drugs will increase
in the next two decades. In fact, it has been predicted that by the year
2020, the number of persons needing treatment for a drug abuse and
addiction will double among persons aged 50 or older.
- In
2008, 4.3 million adults aged 50 or older, or 4.7% of adults in that age
range, had used an illegal drug in the past year. - Between
2000 and 2008, substance abuse treatment admissions among those aged 50
and older increased by 70%, while the overall 50-plus population grew by
only 21%.
for substance abuse, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs and
over-the-counter drugs (OTC) is over age 50.
challenge that most aging people never thought they would have to face.
Neither did their families. But, dealing with addiction among older
adults requires our immediate attention.
treatment- it’s too late to change.
for older adults in addiction treatment is as good or better than that for
younger people.
addiction lack the inner strength to fight and overcome this disease.
causes but lack of inner strength is not one of them. Causes of addiction
include heredity, stressful events such as the death of a loved one,
retirement, health problems and reactions to medicine.
abuse and addiction can be seen as a normal part of the aging process or
attributed to other diseases, resulting in a missed diagnosis of the addiction.
- Sleep
problems, fatigue, memory loss or mood swings - Chronic
health problems, accidents or falls - Loss
of interest in hobbies or other social activities - Neglect
of personal hygiene, appearance or weight loss - Unsteady
gait, unexplained bruises or frequent fall - Slurring
words, defensiveness or increased stress
abuse and addiction and less likely to be seen as a normal part of the aging
process or attributed to other diseases.
- Finding
illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia - Is
often clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol - Complaining
about doctors who refuse to write prescriptions for preferred addictive
drugs - Increased
use of illegal drugs or taking more pills than prescribed because the
drugs “just aren’t helping anymore” - Intentionally
abusing drugs with the intent to hurt themselves - Mixing
medications or drinking alcohol with medications despite warnings not to
do so - Going
to multiple doctors -“doctor shopping” -for additional prescriptions of
addictive drugs - Deliberate
choice to not tell doctor of all prescriptions or illegal drugs they may
be taking
Mark Gladden is the owner of Present Moments Recovery is a Residential Treatment Center specializing in Recovery Services for the Baby Boomer generation. Our home is located in a single family home on a single family street in North County San Diego.
Present Moments detox and drug rehab center is the premier provider of comfortable and safe Addiction treatment in San Diego. Call us and get help today.
I’ve amassed a great resume of the years since
joining the military in 1986. This mass was not due to service or goodwill by
any stretch, but rather so I could gain the recognition and respect from family
and friends (not strangers, mind you, at least not yet anyway…) Once I found
recovery from my own addiction to controlling behaviors and drugs (my DOC is
Pot, Maryjane, Cannabis) I would wipe my resume clean and just put on a
business card my phone number and…”Hello My name is Mark Gladden, I am a person in long term recovery, which means to me that I have not used acohol or mind
altering drugs since September 24, 2014…..(I wonder what the employer would say
to that! ???? ) I look forward to meeting
your challenge Mary!
People in Long Term Recovery Why We Are Worth the Investment
photographs by James Nachtwey. It was filled with evocative and wrenching
images of the ravages of treatment, it was a convincing argument for
intervention into a devastation of entire communities. The helplessness of the
first responders was palpable on page, as they are overwhelmed by the body
count. I was overwhelmed and heartbroken as each page was more urgent than the next. I felt the way I feel in the face of the animal rescue commercials during the holidays as my indulged
cats curl on my lap in front of a warm fire. Most of the time I have to hit the mute button – and I felt relieved
when I finished the pictorial essay for the same reason. (1)
wonder, “Do other people turn away for the same reason?”
often disappear from view in the media, and sometimes even from the rooms
of recovery, as we become successful and stable. The policymakers, families,
struggling addicts, the media, school boards, NIMBY community, and your
neighbors don't see images of successful recovery in a time when the opioid
crisis is killing thousands of addicts a day. Frequent images of broken addicts
and families contribute to the internalized stigma the alcoholic/addict and the
community carry. While we need to intervene and treatment is vital, people need
to see how the story continues.
treatment. Often we are doing so through “scared straight” stories and videos.
Yet where are the images of the contribution recovering people make? What does
the community GET for the investment in us?
alcoholically by the time I was 27. I entered the rooms of recovery through a
Twelve Step program and I believe this has allowed me to:
Work in every level of addiction treatment from Intake
to Counseling to Clinical Supervision to Program Ownership. I have been able to
participate in the recovery of thousands of adducts over almost 30 years.
Start and maintain
the largest addiction
counselor training program
through San Jose City
College since 1990. We have largely staffed the addiction treatment programs in
our county for years.
Write multiple recovery books, some of which are using
in academic settings to train additional addiction treatment counselors.
Train addiction recovery counselors in India and
Indonesia, at time being the first to introduce professional addiction
counseling standards to the region.
in my life. I own a home, pay taxes, and I am NOT unusual. In
fact, I’m rather typical. Recovering people tend to be generous with service,
donate to charities, and are aware of social and economic inequity. We tend to
value our relationships because we have often had to rebuild them.
people who are in recovery and, in doing so, expose the long-hidden reality that people actually
do recovery from drug and alcohol addiction; that it’s a chronic disease that can be successfully managed
for life; and that it affects individuals who are every bit as moral,
productive, intelligent, talented – and humanly flawed – as the next person. (2)
or give you a ride and actually show up on time. We tend to have a skewed sense
of humor, and often possess an unusual humility about ourselves. There can be a
gratitude for life people who have fewer scars and rough edges cannot
have. We have fabulous bullshit
detectors, and acute sensitivity to other
people’s “energy.” We are resourceful and have difficulty coloring inside the
lines sometimes. We may not always be as politically correct as we should be,
and often have colorful language.
narcissistic and as “jack- assy” as they were when they were using? Maybe even
worse? OF COURSE. We’re people.
they got clean and sober through a Twelve Step program, is that service and
personal accountability through the Steps are key to long-term recovery. People
who are not in recovery do not have these ethics at times, which is why we’re such a good bet. When we’re committed
to long term recovery, we are
committed to taking responsibility for ourselves, “keeping
our side of the street
clean, “ which is
rare in a litigious society filled with ways to blame other people for bad luck
or personal discomfort.
basement. We need a new language, a logo, T-shirts, a theme song, websites, TV ads, posters
in buses, sobriety
bars, sober sporting
events, a sobriety
lobby, a recovery
caucus, celebrity spokespersons, and corporate sponsors. We need the public relations
of attraction, not invisibility.
Washington, D.C.
I’m not the only one that thinks so– keep reading!
the negative impact of drug and alcohol addiction; it’s impossible to ignore.
Yet we have somehow missed a very positive story about addiction that is right
in front of our nose: Tens of millions of our fellow citizens come out the
other side to live substance-free, healthy and productive lives.
This study {OASAS)
is a wake-up call to the reality
of recovery in America,
as well as a source of hope for the millions of American families
who are currently struggling
with drug and alcohol problems.” — Keith Humphreys, Professor of Psychiatry at
Stanford University School of Medicine (3)
in 2012 by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance
Abuse Services (OASAS)
show that 10 percent of all American
adults, ages 18 and older, said yes to the question, “Did you once have a problem with drugs or
alcohol, but no longer do?” and consider themselves to be in recovery from
drug or alcohol abuse problems. These nationally representative findings indicate
that there are 23.5 million
American adults who are overcoming an involvement with drugs or alcohol
that they once considered to be problematic.
(4)
who are struggling with addiction by offering clear evidence to support what
many know experientially – that millions of Americans have found a path to
recovery,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
Services (OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “It is my hope that this new evidence will strengthen and inspire
individuals and those that provide treatment and recovery services to help the
broader community understand that treatment does work and recovery is
possible.” (5)
parents, counselors, coaches, medical professionals, attorneys. . . People in Long Term Recovery are a quiet
backbone that provides needed
stability in our communities. We are proof that recovery
works, and money invested in addiction treatment is
money well-spent!
purposes of this discussion, I am defining successful long-term recovery as 5
years or more:
Stable co-occurring or addiction recovery over 5 years through a range
of recovery traditions (AA, NA OA, Celebrate Recovery, Red Road Recovery, Dual
Recovery Anonymous, etc.)
Stable participation in work, volunteer work, or school over this
period of time
Stable and growing relationships with family and friends
Successfully discharged criminal justice obligations
Why 5 years or more?
members who have already been sober for less than a year will remain both sober
and active in AA another year; 60 percent of this group will either lose
sobriety or stop participating in AA during the next year, or both. About 80%
of those participants who have been sober between one and five years will
remain both sober and active in the fellowship another
year. About 90% of the members who have been sober five years
or more will remain both sober and active in the fellowship another year. (AA's
survey could not determine the
number of people who remain sober but discontinue participation in AA groups).
These figures have been repeated within a few percentage points using the same
calculations since 1974. (6)
songwriter, Eric Clapton, has been sober
for nearly 3 decades. He struggled with heroin in the 70s and later turned
to alcohol, before finally getting sober once and for all. He now demonstrates a strong commitment to recovery, holding
benefits and even opening his own
treatment center.
not be able to play anymore. In other words, those were things that were
necessary for inspiration. But it was a shortcut. My experience now tells me in
a long time of being in recovery, that I can be a good musician with or without
that philosophy.” – The Fix Article, 2013 (7)
Actor, Bradley
Cooper, struggled with an alcohol
and painkiller addiction prior to getting
sober at 29 in 2012. With
over a decade of sobriety under his belt, he says that he wouldn’t be where he
is today without his recovery.
even been able to take in other people, if I hadn’t changed my life. I never
would have been able to have the relationships that I do. I never would have
been able to take care of my father the way I did when he was sick.” – The Fix Article, 2015 (8)
struggling with addictions in her youth. Her younger days were difficult, due to her mother being addicted to hard drugs. There were times that she didn’t imagine she would make it to 21.
Now at the age of 45, she has almost 19 years of sobriety.
but today, at 42, I have my wisdom, my heart and my conscience as the only
tools to overcome life’s
inevitable obstacles.” – Los Angeles Times Article, 2013 (9)
Chris Herren, was addicted to cocaine and Oxytocin, which eventually
turned into full- blown heroin addiction.
After a sever overdose in which the former athlete
had to be brought back to life, he realized it was time to
get clean. Now sober, this former athlete created Hoop Dreams with Chris
Herren, a basketball camp, and became a motivational speaker for others in
recovery. He started The Herren Project, a non-profit offering scholarships and
teaching children about health an addiction. Herren as also the focus of
Unguarded, an Emmy-nominated ESPN documentary about his career and recovery. (10)
famous. However, we might be in our own circle
of influence. Some people say that
every addict or alcohol affects
at least six people. That means every recovering person might
affect at least six people.
people with long term recovery to participate
in a project, People in Long Term Recovery (piltr.org). I am
asking you for the greatest service you can offer to the families who need
hope, to a correctional system that is threatening to return to mandatory
sentencing, to political policy makers, to the newly recovering person who
looks into the media and has very few role models. We need YOU to be willing to
step forward and claim your recovering success.
Maybe you addressed your gambling addiction years ago and have moved on
to a successful financial and personal life.
Maybe you picked up your last DUI and divorce years ago and are now
happily married and professionally stable.
Maybe you haven’t
been in a courtroom for years due to your addiction and sit in a boardroom instead.
Maybe you stopped
relapsing by addressing your mental health
issues years ago and your psych
meds have given you back your life.
Maybe you found Al-anon years to stop crying all the time, and have
gone on to have more joy in your life, and are surrounded by healthy relationships.
a template for you to create a 2-3 minute
video and we are asking you to send it in to be part of advocating for us, for your own people, by publicly proclaiming that recovery works - and we pay taxes! Send your video to mary.cook@sjcc.edu.
a, “Recovery carrier.”
address at the Northeast Treatment Centers (NET) Consumer
Council Recognition Dinner celebrating the recovery progress
and service activities of NET members
and the 40th Anniversary of NET, April 14, 2010, Philadelphia, PA. William White offered the following
comments during his presentation, Recovery
is Contagious. (11)
infection—the movement of addiction disease from one vulnerable person to
another. The contagion of recovery is spread quite differently—not through
infection, but affection. Those who spread such affection are recovery
carriers. Recovery carriers—because
of the nature of their character and the quality of their lives—exert a
magnetic attraction to those who are still suffering. Recovery carriers affirm
that long-term recovery is possible and that the promises of recovery are far
more than the removal of drugs from an otherwise unchanged
life. They tell us that we have the potential
to get well and to then get
better than well. They challenge us to stop being everyone’s problem and to
become part of the solution. They relate to us from a position of profound
empathy, emotional authenticity, respect and moral equality—lacking even a whisper
of contempt. Most importantly,
they offer us love.” - William White
https://drugfree.org/newsroom/news-item/survey-ten-percent-of-american-adults- report-being-in-recovery-from-substance-abuse-or-addiction/
https://drugfree.org/newsroom/news-item/survey-ten-percent-of-american-adults- report-being-in-recovery-from-substance-abuse-or-addiction/
(https://drugfree.org/newsroom/news-item/survey-ten-percent-of-american-adults- report-being-in-recovery-from-substance-abuse-or-addiction/)
7. 24 Celebrities Who Are Celebrating Their Sobriety
8. 24 Celebrities Who Are Celebrating Their Sobriety
9. 24 Celebrities Who Are Celebrating Their Sobriety
Sobriety is worth the wait, what could you accomplish with 10yrs of Sobriety?
Congratulations on your success in managing the disease of addiction for all these years Mr. Farrell, you are truly an inspiration to us all in Recovery. I believe that by working a program of recovery (12-Step, Refuge, SMART) will have us find the our ultimate goal....Peace...While I was using Drugs and Alcohol, I spent A LOT OF TIME DURING the week preparing, wondering, and setting up for the perfect buzz, the act of the shot or the smoke. In my sobriety, I estimated, with the help of a good Drug and Alcohol Therapist, I spent 30hrs a week!!! WOW...I do a lot of different things today with that much time..
Here is the post: By Sarah Hearon April 3, 2018
Celebrities Who Have Been to Rehab
Stars Who Have Bared Their Souls About Their Struggles