Families in Recovery

Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting a "Family in Recovery" program to a group of people who have either children, spouses or parents in early recovery from addiction. It has been my experience that most families in this situation are struggling for answere and yet blaming themselves. They don't understand why their loved one became addicted and wonder why "they can't just quit". If only it were that easy. Addiction, my friends, is a brain disease that doesn't just stop because a person stops putting drugs in their system. Recovery is a lifetime process which requires hard work. That hard work takes time and unfortunately families sometimes don't understand why their loved one is so wrapped up in getting better. Quite a paradox, the thing they wanted most takes their loved one into a whole new world which initially may not include them. Family education helps with this and support groups for the family, such as ala-non, help even more.

To see the look of understanding, relief and hope on the faces of these families is a joy to behold. I take this opportunity to salute all the families who are in recovery.

What is Recovery?

Frequently I am asked "what do you mean by recovery"? People want to know if it means drinking or using drugs less, not at all, or somewhere in between. I was reading "Addiction Professional" today and came across a definition that makes sense to me. It was put forth by the Betty Ford Institute and is described as a work in progress.

"Recovery from substance dependence is a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by

sobriety, personal health and citizenship".

"Sobriety refers to abstinence from all mood altering non prescribed drugs and alcohol."

Abstinence is considered necessary for a recovery lifestyle. Evidence indicates that for formerly dependent individuals, sobriety is most reliably archived through the practice of abstinence from alcohol and all other drugs of abuse.

Source: Carlton K. Erickson, Phd, Addiction Professional

What I'm Thinking

I had a lot of time this weekend to think about my favorite topic, recovery, and here is what I was thinking. How many times did I hear the words "Celebrity Rehab"? More than I wanted. My first thought was about Dr. Drew Pinsky. A man, who I have met, (but only briefly) that seems to have integrity. But, what is he doing lending his name to "Celebrity Rehab"? I can't think of a worse way to educate the public about treatment and recovery. These sad broken people are subjecting themselves to treatment on camera in the hopes of what result? I doubt that recovery is the main goal.

If recovery isn't the main goal recovery will not occur; I don't care how famous or infamous a person is. Recovery involves ego deflation, how on earth can that happen for these people? How on earth can Dr. Drew think this is treatment? He more than most should be aware of the stigma addicts face, does he care? One of the most damaging things to a persons recovery can be rejection by family and friends, just because he/she is an addict. This show only adds to and perpetuates the myths about addiction.

I have never seen this show nor do I intend to. How about you?

A True Hero

In the January 24, 2008 edition of the Los Angels Times, Dana Parsons, writes about a man called Tim Chapman. Mr. Chapman is one of the true heroes of the addiction treatment field. He toils unknown and unrecognized with "everyday addicts" who are the norm in this country. Referring to high-profile stars he is quoted as saying "if they have the disease of addiction, they have more similarities than differences with Joe Schmo sitting around a table."

This is the borrom line in addiction, it does not recognize fame, fortune, occupation, class or intellect. It cuts across all ethnic and religious groups. People can and do recover in anonimity; not on reality television

Yes, I am referring to Celebrity Rehab again. I am horrified at the way these people are being exploited and question whether they will gain the will to recover. The whole situation is very sad, especially since there are small underfunded programs all across this country who strive on a daily basis to help people recover.

Please stop the madness!

Yes, Mr. Chapman is a true hero.

First Edition

This is the first post on a new blog called The Recovery Conduit. I will strive to address addiction treatment and recovery in a balanced way. I know treatment works, I have spent over half my life in the addiction field and even longer in recovery. Recovering men and women are among the most noble, coureageous people I know and this blog will celebrate those people known and unknown to me.