Connie’s Interview from Fresh Start Recovery
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Fresh Start Recovery Centre
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2017
As you sit at the front desk and work away, you may have a unique insight into the first evaluation, the “face value” of people coming to FSRC. What do you first notice of people coming into recovery? What about them leaving back into mainstream society?
The first thing I notice is relief (that they are finally in the facility) and nervousness (what’s coming?) If they are a returning client, they are grateful to be back and know what is expected in the coming weeks. Some men are physically unwell and unkempt and arrive with next to nothing while others arrive with everything. New clients arriving are welcomed by the other residents in treatment and they become comfortable quite soon. Clients come from different places, i.e., Corrections, Detox, Northern Canada, self-referrals and other geographic locations and they all display nervousness and relief upon arriving.
When Alumni leave us, they are excited about where they are going and the plans they have. Each and every one of them has expressed they will miss FSRC and the peer support, meals, sharing…Some of have said they miss going to “group” because of the structure and sharing.
What is the biggest myth about addictions in the public mind?
The biggest myth is that a short stint in “rehab” will fix you up! Treatment can provide tools and knowledge for the addicted but it cannot provide the motivation for long term recovery. The desire for change must come from within the individual and he will need to build his support system for his success. We can all agree that certain activities will promote recovery and some of them are attending 12 step groups, helping others, doing service work.
How can Canada do better by our addicted and downtrodden citizens?
Canada needs to provide capital and operating funds for treatment centres to help those who are addicted. Not all of them are downtrodden (yet) because of addiction. We have such a high proportion of people who suffer from mental health issues and addictions, incarceration and addictions, and with specific groups of youth, seniors and families who are affected by the disease. The current Federal government needs to look at providing support in housing, rental subsidies and addiction and mental health services.
How can religious institutions help addicts? How can secular institutions assist addicts?
While 12 step groups do not promote religion, they do refer to a “higher power.” The “higher power” can grow to be “God” and have the effect of belief, faith, peace, serenity, and prayer on the individual. Not all people will agree to the “God” idea but will find what works for them. There are many different agencies and organizations that provide counselling, other support groups, meditation and physical training. All of these offerings are available to everyone and different ideas or activities will help everyone. Now, if I may, I want to add one note with some concluding questions, please. You are free to answer or skip them. You are in long term recovery. When you did become an addict? When did you realize over time that it was a problem? Where did you first get help?
I first realized that I had become alcoholic when I was 30 years old and had to go to Detox after being on a two-week binge. I went to a short term treatment facility and had 3 years clean and sober. During this time, I had moved twice and married for the second time. Unfortunately, my new husband was also an alcoholic (we unconsciously search out fellow alcoholics) and we enabled each other for fifteen years. When it finally ended, I again ended up in detox and fortunately I was able to go to the same short term treatment, and then onto to a 4-month treatment program for women. After that I lived in sober housing for close to eight years. My recovery was “grace given” and it took a long time. I had lots of support and attended many meetings during that time. I am now in my 17th year of “recovery.”
What is long term recovery? How does it look from the recovering addict’s perspective?
I don’t know what long term recovery means to others, other than the length of time a person has been clean and sober. There are those who have many years of sobriety and yet have found no joy in life. I do not believe that’s long term recovery. For me, it means I no longer want a drink or to be around people who are “under the influence.” I feel free from any obsession or desire to drink…my life is good!
What is your main message of hope for those that have fallen through the cracks of society as addicts and fear for their lives, are destitute, downtrodden, psychologically bruised, and nearly emotionally broken, even physically emaciated and socially isolated? Just keep trying! You can’t fix everything – but you can start to fix yourself…get into detox or get help to stop using/drinking. We all care about you and what you’re going through. We want to help but sometimes we can’t (for any number of reasons). Start going to meetings and start listening. We do love you…and hope you just keep trying!
Thank you for your time, Connie.
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