Ten months ago I received an email from a guy called Chris G. He was asking if he could write something to be published on Daily Dose – he wanted to thank his key worker for all her hard work in helping him to stop using cocaine. Although we were unable to do that (for fear of being inundated by others!), Chris became a much valued Wired In volunteer.
I have worked very closely with Chris over the last ten months, albeit from a distance as he lives in Luton. It has been a pleasure getting to know Chris over this period, seeing the many changes he has made and watching him grow as a person. There have been many ups and downs in his recovery, but he has battled through and learnt to deal with what life has thrown at him. He has been an inspiration to me and many others.
When I mentioned to Chris about the ‘What Recovery Means To Me’ series he jumped at the chance to share his view of recovery. Within the hour he had sent me his article - ready and waiting! I hope that you enjoy reading Chris’s views on recovery – please comment or share with us your views.
You can learn more about Chris G in the Our Community blogspot, where some of his other work is displayed. His personal story is soon to be completed so watch this space!
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
What Recovery Means To Me - Chris G
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3 comments:
Thanks Chris, not only for the clarity of your views, but for the realism of the difficulties of recovery. I wish you well in your ongoing journey.
It has been said there are many roads to recovery, what hasn't been said is that many of these turn out to be dead ends based on the false promise that we can 'learn' to use recreationally, or how to use 'more safely'.
It is my experience that such enticements are delivered by those with no first hand experience of addiction, and/or those who have their own reasons for wanting people to continue using.
A personal view of recovery: Part 3
“For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong”.
H. L. Mencken.
Many of those who suffer from addiction have attempted to study their problem in the hope of understanding their obsession. Some of us have experienced hospitalisation, institutions and jail. Yet, despite our downward spiral, any relief we appear to get proved to be only temporary. Not surprisingly we tended to blame everyone but ourselves.
What we failed to recognise or acknowledge was the fact that whilst no one sets out to become addicted, our only real hope of healing and recovery is accepting personal responsibility for both. No one other than our self can make us use drugs; equally no one can stop us from doing so.
Thanks chris your wee piece reminds us all how difficult it is to remain in recovery and that each day we do is a miricle. I havent used any mind or mood altering substances since august 13th 1997 but not every day have i been in recovery, some hanging in by the finger nails, luckily today is not one of those days and this wee series lucy and kev are running is helping more addicts in more ways than they will ever know. Thankyou so much for writing your views and for starting my day with a remindr of immense gratitude! Big Hug Annemarie x
Than you Chris for sharing that with us. The honesty that is shown again and again in recovery should be a benchmark for all of us to strive for.
This proves to everyone, once again, that recovery IS POSSIBLE!!
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