Author: People Advocating Recovery

Helping a Family Member Who Has a Brain Disorder

November 19, 2021 By People Advocating Recovery

I don’t use the words “mental illness” a lot. Brain Disorder, in our society at least, does not seem to have as negative a feel to it. When I realized very early in our marriage that my husband suffered from a serious addiction to alcohol and other drugs, I sought help from a 12 Step Program for wives and family members. It was the difference for me between sinking or swimming.

We Don’t Understand The Problem of Addiction

October 15, 2021 By People Advocating Recovery

The seeming increase in reports from the press about alcohol and drug use and abuse is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, raising awareness of substance use and substance use disorder creates opportunities for the person suffering the disease and/or their loved ones to act, and creates a greater imperative for public action. On the other hand, these same reports unintentionally reinforce long held attitudes about alcohol and drug use and abuse that create barriers to access to treatment or, worse, reinforce stereotypes that prevent the addict from seeking help.

Bridging the Gap to Recovery

October 8, 2021 By People Advocating Recovery

On September 25, with the initiative of The Purpose of Recovery, the first annual Recovery Connection Rally in Orange County was held at Kiwanis Land Park in Garden Grove. The temperature was in the 70s — a day to be lived in comfort and joy. it was a memorable occasion for all of us. September is National Recovery Month, begun in 1989 under the name of Treatment Works! Now in its 32nd year, the theme is RECOVERY IS FOR EVERYONE: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community. With registration necessarily capped at 500, Our 42 Community Partners showcased and networked the broad spectrum of resources available to those seeking help and hope. The hundreds of attendees enjoyed music, line dancing, speakers, and a lunch of hot dogs, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, chips and drinks. Kids were bouncing, having snow cones, and their faces painted. With all of that, the biggest take-away was new knowledge, friendships, and fellowship. As introductory speaker, I shared the following remarks. Read on and be present in heart and mind.

Funding is Fundamental

August 6, 2021 By People Advocating Recovery

Infrastructure is in the news. It’s about what it is and how to fund it. It appears there is some agreement on “hard” infrastructure spending. There are two matters of infrastructure under consideration. One is physical which we know as roads, bridges, transmission lines, etc. I read a statement that said, “infrastructure refers to any facility we expect but do not think about—we take it for granted—because it works for us in the background. “I might add to this—until it doesn’t. The other, social infrastructure covers a range of services and facilities that meet local and strategic needs and contribute towards a good quality of life. It includes health provision, education, community resources, etc. Important to all is the human component—knowledge, skills and abilities. All need funding and it is hard to understand the computations in trillions and billions.

Old Timers For A Change

June 11, 2021 By People Advocating Recovery

A recent exchange in “Dear Annie” with “Follow the Data” revisits an important, current discussion in addiction treatment. That this discussion is occurring in more popular sites rather than technical journals is a positive sign. The contention surrounding the discussion seems unnecessary and unhelpful.