Meet William!

   I suffered in active addiction for 25+ years, the majority of my adult life. I have been to in-patient treatment 7 times over the years. Some of these treatment centers I found more useful than others. They all had one thing in common. I relapsed within the first week every time I left (except for the last time.)

    Along the way, I learned a lot about substance use disorder. The most important lesson of them all was simple, I had to apply as much energy into my recovery as I did in active addiction to be successful. For me, that meant making recovery a full-time job. I was what some would have considered hopeless. Yet, I have recovered, fully.

   I practice multiple pathways in tandem as my program of recovery. I have worked the steps with a sponsor and each day I try to practice the principles of AA in all my affairs. I have a regular, and still growing, meditation practice that was inspired by the book of Refuge Recovery. I visit a guided meditation at RR from time to time. I am a MAT (suboxone) patient. I take my meds as prescribed, and they help tremendously. I use SMART tools as well, on a regular basis. They help me think rationally. I have also developed a Spiritual relationship with my creator. I pray and my prayers are answered often. I facilitate All Recovery meetings weekly. I have found that the group support has benefits that far exceed what anyone can manage alone.

   As a recovery coach (certified peer support specialist) I help others navigate recovery on a daily basis. The key for me is helping others improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.