I won’t get into the nonsense that is happening all around us, but I will say one thing, our world of addiction and recovery is being turned on its head, scrunched up like a ball of rags that’s packed into a cannon and about to be shot 55 years back. Except this time, it might be worse.In 1970, they were just getting started as the United States began developing a robust Prison-Industrial Complex that has been working perfectly to criminalize addiction and mental health since the 1930’s with the appointment of the first US drug czar, Harry J Anslinger, who famously targeted jazz singer Billie Holiday literally to her death bed due to her illicit drug use.
OK. Let’s connect this back to today. Robert F Kennedy Jr, the newly appointed US Secretary of Health and Human Services states that he is going to bring a new industry into our country to “help addicts connect with the soil”. He wants to create farms where people will be sent to recover because as he puts it, thats what they “need”. As wonderful as farms may be, they will absolutely work ..for some. Most people will need something else.
A myopic view is dangerous. The past 25 years of Addiction/ Recovery Research has found that people get well when they can determine their own definitions for personal challenges, their identities and then are supported to take action where and when they see fit. There is no single way to get well for anyone. There are as many pathways as there are individuals and then some. Most people will weave together a tapestry of many different pathways throughout their stages of recovery and life. You can pick any article from our field’s great historian, William White on the Recovery Experience and see for yourself. As people in the helping professions, it is our duty to support individuals as they wish to be supported so that they can be empowered, build self-esteem and become the individuals they’ve always dreamed of being.It all begins with us. When we stand up for ourselves, those around us stand up for themselves and others stand up out of inspiration as their hearts glow. Next thing you know, we are all standing together for each other. Stand up for Recovery as you see fit and lift up those who are not yet able to stand on their own. Humility breeds respect which breeds empathy. Understanding breeds acceptance and fosters belonging and courage breeds Love which warms hearts and unites all beings.Got Recovery Training?
Here at Choice Recovery Coaching, we provide all of the recovery trainings to support you and your recovery team. Check out our comprehensive training schedule for Recovery Coach Academy Classes, Ethical Considerations 101, Addictions 101, Peer Recovery Workforce Supervisor training and more!
Next RCA Academy begins NEXT MONTH in April!
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Peer Recovery Workforce Supervisor Training also begins March 21st!
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