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Recovery and “The Peace within Yourself”

Posted on September 18, 2008 by Staff

Peter Kramer

September is celebrated nationally as Recovery Month, a time to recognize the possibilities and promise of a life free from addiction. This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery; Real People, Real Recovery.”

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health for 2007 had good news and bad news. On the one hand, cocaine and methamphetamine use were down among young adults, cocaine use by one-fourth and meth by one-third. Still, one in five reported using an illicit substance the month before. Among the 12-17 age group, drug use in the month prior to the survey decreased from 9.8 percent to 9.5 percent, continuing a five-year trend. Their alcohol and tobacco use was also down.

Significantly, use by the 50-59 age group increased, suggesting that baby boomers have not given up habits started 30 and more years ago. Of 20 million people over the age of 12 who admitted using an illicit substance, the great majority reported using marijuana. The study found a direct link between illicit drug use and incidents of depression.
Millions of individuals suffering from substance abuse have found comfort and success in Twelve Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

The steps refer to a process whereby the individual, through attending group meetings, relentless reading, prayer and study, and with the support of a sponsor, conducts a “fearless moral inventory.” The steps include admitting one’s powerlessness over the problem, asking for help from a higher power (“God as we know him”), acknowledging wrong done to others, making amends and, finally, helping others in their own path to the better life possible through recovery.

By contacting the customer service number of the OPC (Orange Person Chatham) Area Program – 913-4120 or 1-877-277-2303 – callers can locate an AA or NA meeting in the three-county area. We can also answer, in a confidential manner, all kinds of questions about issues and services pertaining to mental illness, substance abuse and developmental disabilities.

Donna Edmonds, a 34-year-old client of the UNC Horizons Program based in Carrboro, is a Voice for Recovery. Horizons, a component of the UNC School of Medicine, provides treatment for women addicted to substances. Its support includes outpatient support groups; prenatal and postnatal OB-GYN treatment; classes in relationships, job skills, nutrition and money management; a residential program for the women and their children; and onsite day-care and other comprehensive services for the participants’ children. After years of significant cocaine use, Ms. Edmonds has experienced success with Horizons.

Ms. Edmonds wrote an essay recently about what recovery has meant to her:

“The most amazing lesson I’ve learned while on the journey of recovery is how to become a source of comfort to those around me, thanks to my sharing of the story of my addiction. When I was crushed and overwhelmed by life during active addiction, it was then I received the gift of desperation.

“No one needs to fear the trials of life. No matter how great a hardship you face, there is a Higher Power to strengthen you, making you better equipped to provide understanding and acceptance to those around you who’ve encountered the same hardships.

“Release your burdens, return to reason and normality … and you’ll find that recovery is the counselor of peace within yourself.”

Peter Kramer works for the OPC Area Program.

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