Overcoming Addictions News Summaries by title
Man gets national award for turning life around
Proof Positive
Sharing the story of addiction and recovery
Daughter inspires dad to get sober
HOPE – One tough Life, one recovery
Addiction is a tough act to quit, but counselor knows how hard it is
Addict travels rocky road to recovery
Top title for drug support centre
Tearing down the brick wall of stigma
Message of hope
Confessions of an alcoholic
Addicts grab mouse to kick bottle
Former meth user breaks free from 14-year addiction
Desert project fuels hope for young sniffers
‘Today I Choose Recovery’
How I crawled out of heroin gutter
Former drug addicts change for the better
Ex-addict spreads word for Sheriff
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Man gets national award for turning life around
24th March 2007
By Cameron Mathews
This article introduced William “Skip” Back who has rebuilt his life after years of alcohol abuse and homelessness. William Back’s determined efforts have been recognized with a national award. The 54-year-old Arizona native became alcoholic after leaving the US Air Force in 1975. Back told the reporter “I drank heavily every day, drinking myself to sleep at night”. Eventually William Back became homeless and a drifter and even lived in the woods of North Carolina for a period of time. In one lucid moment, Back realized he needed help and became involved in a recovery program. Over a period of years William was able to overcome his addictions and rebuild his life. Back spoke about his recovery program. “It taught me to face my responsibilities rather than drink them away”. William was eventually able to consolidate his recovery by securing a job. William Back is highly appreciative of the support provided by Skils-kin, an organization involved in finding jobs for people with disabilities or other problems. Ed Mattia, a project manager for Skils-Kin, told the reporter about his organization. “It’s a company that goes out of its way to accommodate people. We preach the opposite of everybody else: If you have a disability, we want you”. Mattia also spoke glowingly about William Back. “All of us are very proud of him. He’s come a long way”.
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Proof Positive
5th March 2007
By Danie M. Huffman
The Weatherford Democrat told of the recovery of Kerry Tate, a former prison inmate, from the grip of drug addiction. Despite being raised in a Christian home, Tate turned to drugs including methamphetamine and was convicted on a number of charges. Kerry Tate spent 18 months in jail. “I was on my last leg from a lot of years of bad decisions. I was in more trouble than most men would be able to stand on free ground and tell you about”. The story in The Democrat recounts how Tate used his time in jail to transform his life. He started working out and improved his physical condition. He also trained to become a personal trainer. Tate also studied and earned an associate degree in liberal arts. Tate is now co-owner of a fitness center after being given an opportunity by the owner of the business who noticed his dedication and positive attitude. Kerry Tate gives credit to his parents for their unwavering support during his rehabilitation. Tate now plans to make himself available as a mentor for other people trying to break free from the grip of drug addiction. Tate told the reporter “That’s my story. All of it made me who I am. I’m standing right where I’m supposed to be. My greatest accomplishment is being drug-free”.
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Sharing the story of addiction and recovery
9th February 2007
By Kay Johnson
Addiction affects people from all walks of life and does not discriminate. An article in the Hutchinson Leader emphasized just how addiction can affect even the most fortunate of individuals. The article described a presentation by William Cope Moyers to an audience from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. William’s father is prominent journalist Bill Moyers. Despite a privileged upbringing, became addicted to drugs and alcohol. Just like thousands of others, Moyers has recovered from addiction and reclaimed his life. William Moyers told his attentive audience that addictions can affect anyone irrespective of their class or background. “This is what an alcoholic and drug addict looks like. I’m proof that addiction does not discriminate. And neither should recovery”. William Cope Moyers has written a book about his addiction and recovery called Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption which has been published by the Penguin Group.
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Daughter inspires dad to get sober
3rd December 2006
By David Iozza
This Asbury Park Press article provided a powerful insight into recovery from addiction. It describes the experience of an addict who had abused cocaine, marijuana and alcohol and had made a commitment to quit after a plea from his 9-year-old daughter. A first step was to acknowledge the addiction and the impact that it was having on his life. A formal recovery program followed as well as a change of career. The former addict wrote of the positive experience of a new life. “The sober lifestyle has not been easy, but it’s been so rewarding. I am healthier, and the relationships I have with my wife and my children have gotten so much better. I appreciate the simpler things in life, I respect myself and the world around me and I’ve learned the value of a loving family”. The writer added “I have serenity and faith, and most importantly, I have hope”. The writer had a message for others considering a recovery from addiction. “Sobriety does not have to be complicated and if I can do it, anyone can. I just say no, 24 hours at a time”.
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HOPE – One tough life, one recovery
4th October 2006
By Amanda Pinto
A compelling personal account of triumph over drug addiction appeared in The Stamford Times.. The subject of the story is 47-year-old Abby Nelson who has fought a determined 30 year long battle against drug addiction. The story describes how Abby Nelson tried and failed many times to defeat an addiction but never gave up hope of a better life and a brighter future. Nelson’s drug use commenced with marijuana usage in her teens. Nelson soon became addicted to cocaine and later was free-basing crack. Over the years she had attempted rehab multiple times before finally achieving sobriety. Abby Nelson has been drug free for 2 years. She works part time and also works to help other users break their habit. At the peak of her addiction, Abby Nelson lost friends, couldn’t hold a regular job and was forced to work as a prostitute for a time to support her habit. The article told how Abby’s personal story has given hope to other addicts. Nelson told the reporter “I am a power of example for other woman who are struggling’. She added, “I feel like I’m here to tell them there is a way out …that they can just stop and give themselves a chance”. Abby Nelson now assists the work of Liberation Programs, a Stamford-based recovery organization. A key to her recovery has been the acceptance of personal responsibility for sobriety. Referring to the Liberation Programs, Nelson said, “They really instilled in me an awareness about the fact that I’m responsible for my recovery”.
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Addiction is a tough act to quit, but counselor knows how hard it is
6th September 2006
By Ervin Dyer
The Pittsburg Post Gazette described a story of recovery from the grip of drug addiction. The subject of the story is Susan Rua, a 40-year-old mother of three, who now works as a drug counselor. Susan Rua first tried marijuana as an 8 year old child. She soon started drinking alcohol and experimenting with other drugs. By the time she was 14-years-old, Susan Rua had run away from home and was living on the streets. Over the next few years, Rua’s life would descend into a crazy haze of alcohol, opiates and LSD. In order to maintain her addictions, she stole from others. Eventually, Susan Rua realized the severe damage that her drug habit was causing and decided to seek help. After a few failures and setbacks, she succeeded in breaking free. Susan Rua has remained sober for 18 years and now seeks to help others through her work with a group called Family Links. The story of Susan Rua shows that addictions can be overcome and life can become productive and happy again. The Pittsburg Post-Gazette article chronicles Rua’s journey of recovery. She reflected on her experience with the reporter. “What I want to give people is a story of hope> I want them to see somebody who’s changed their life and see they can change theirs. It’s important for them to know there are people who can talk a good talk, but some of us walk a good walk too”.
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Addict travels rocky road to recovery
21st July 2006
By Sue Salisbury (of Oskaloosa Herald)
This article reported on the remarkable life of Erin Sherwood who has reclaimed her life from the grip of drug addiction. Life started badly. Sherwood’s mother abandoned her and her father committed suicide when she was three years of age. Erin Sherwood was brought up by her grandparents. The story described how Sherwood became a rebellious teenager and had struggled with addiction since high school. Her problems started with marijuana but she soon graduated to meth. Erin told the reporter that effective counseling was difficult despite the determined support from her grandmother. “I was a teenager. I wanted to be with my friends. I didn’t like that they were getting into me, didn’t like that they were making me open myself up”. She soon withdrew from the counseling. When she was aged 17, Erin Sherwood left home. She met a partner and became a parent. Over the next few years, the shadow of addiction was never far away. Sherwood still continued to use drugs and the addiction intrude into her life. She experienced financial problems and lost custody of her children for a time. Erin told the reporter how she decided it was time to reclaim her life and stop using drugs. The story describes how Erin Sherwood has built a happy, stable and productive life. She reflected on her experience. “I was too young and too stubborn to realize the kind of problems I had. I had low self-esteem and was a people pleaser. I had to realize I needed to get through my problems – to deal with what was inside before I could get drugs out of my life. I had to deal with what was inside so I could be better on the outside”.
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Top title for drug support centre
2nd June 2006
BBC News reported that a mid Wales charity which supports people suffering from drug addiction won an award for excellence. The charity, Cyswllt Ceredigion Contact has been crediting with transforming the lives of a number of addicts and their families. BBC News spoke to some of the beneficiaries of the work of the group. One addict commented on how addiction was affecting and damaging his life. “By the time I referred myself to Contact for treatment my life revolved around alcohol. I was losing friendships and my attendance at work was decreasing”. The former addict described how recovery team had used a combination of techniques to break his addiction. “Counsellors and peers listened, supported and encouraged me”. The writer of the article noted that addiction often has serious impacts on the family of the victim. One lady from Cardigan whose daughter-in-law is addicted to alcohol said “My son and daughter-in-law are just fine until alcohol walks through the door and sanity walks out”. She added “The family programme and one-on-one counseling have given me the knowledge and support to live my life again”.
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Tearing down the brick wall of stigma
18th May 2006
This compelling article appeared in The Toronto Star which profiled Cheryl Peever, the winner of an award from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. Her award recognized Cheryl’s courage to overcome addiction and rebuild her life. Cheryl Peever started drinking at 13 and was addicted to cocaine in her 20’s. Peever now works to help other addicts break their addiction. At a recent function, Cheryl spoke about her journey of recovery and her feelings of being stigmatized. Accepting her Courage to Come Back Award, Peever challenged the way that society sometimes views people who have addictions or mental illness. Cheryl Peever told the audience about how her life had been rebuilt “When I was at my lowest point, no one would believe that someday I would have a graduate degree, or a career helping others”. Referring to her personal experience, Peever asked for understanding and some acceptance for people with addiction problems. “I know if anyone had met me years ago they would never have guessed I would be here. I know I didn’t. You just never know what traumas, tragedies, triumphs or experiences someone has been through. And when you see them at their worst, you never know what they can achieve, if given the direction and opportunity”.
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Message of hope
10th May 2006
Dublin People reported on former drug addict and alcoholic Johnny Edwards who now dedicates his life to helping others break free from the grip of addiction. Johnny Edwards is involved in a group called ‘Walking Free’ which has established 3 drug rehabilitation centres in Scotland. Recently Edwards has been assisting with efforts to heal addiction in Ireland. Years of addiction have severely affected his health. Edwards has Hepatitis C and his liver damage has contributed to the development of liver cancer. At the time of the report, Johnny was awaiting a liver transplant. His illness has not deterred his efforts to bring hope into the lives of those suffering from addiction. He said “We need hope in Ireland.” Johnny Edwards commented on the importance of his work. “Having these sicknesses puts me in a unique position to bring hope to many”. Johnny Edwards has written an autobiography called Walking Free. Part of the profits from Edward’s book go towards drug rehabilitation programs.
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How I cured my debt addiction
May 2006
By Sandra E. Martin
The May 2006 edition of MoneySense magazine contained an interesting and informative personal account of managing personal debt. The article also contained a commonsense practical advice for people coping with debt problems. Meghan, the subject of the article, gradually ran into debt problems when she was 20-years-old trapped by the lure of easy credit on credit cards. Meghan found it difficult to resist purchases of many household items but failed to appreciate the rapid accumulation of debt. High interest rates on her credit card soon became increasingly difficult to manage. Meghan realized that she had unsecured debts of over $23,000 and had the good sense to seek advice. She realized the problems that could arise if her personal circumstances changed. Loss of a job or a severe illness could have ruined everything. Meghan sought help from a credit counselor, made a plan to climb out of the cycle of increasing debt and avoided more serious trouble. The husband of Meghan did eventually lose his job. The MoneySense article described how the key to Meghan’s eventual recovery form personal debt was making a clear plan and firmly sticking to the arrangement. Small sacrifices and a change in attitude were needed but the situation soon improved. The story has a number of useful hints for people who experience debt problems. Seeing a licensed, reputable credit counselor can make a real difference. Don’t simply pay the minimum balance of the debt – every little bit of extra repayment helps because it reduces the burden of interest. In some situations, refinancing at a lower interest can also help clear the debt.
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Confessions of an alcoholic
9th April 2006
By Joanne Lublin (of Wall Street Journal)
This article explores an interesting dilemma encountered by many recovering addicts. Do you disclose a history of alcohol or drug problems when seeking employment? The issue is a complex one. The article describes how disclosing a history of alcohol dependence can complicate a job hunt. The writer points out that concealment of addiction can also cause unexpected problems. Background checks may sometimes reveal a past history of addictive behaviour. Sometimes potential employers are appreciative of the honesty of the job seeker in such a situation. The writer highlights the complexity of this important issue for former addicts.
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Addicts grab mouse to kick bottle
8th March 2006
By Emilie Van Outeren (of Columbia News Service)
This fascinating article documents how many sufferers of alcohol and drug addiction are starting to turn to the internet for help. A large number of recovering addicts have found the use of online resources and support a real help in breaking free from their addiction. The article introduces Susan Gibbons, a recovering alcoholic, who has found the internet an important part of her personal recovery program. She describes how it has provided an alternative to conventional support and recovery options. Even long-standing recovery groups like AA are now using internet resources to enhance their existing programs. The article discusses some of the pros and cons of seeking help online. The web provides both convenience and anonymity but some critics have stated that it may allow some addicts to continue to hide their addiction.
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Former meth user breaks free from 14-year addiction
6th March 2006
By Adam Kress
A story in The Business Journal described how a former meth addict has chosen recovery and has rebuilt his life. David Harrington Jr. started using meth at 17-years of age. The drug addiction quickly became the central focus of his life. His addiction resulted in a life of crime and eventually imprisonment. During a period in solitary confinement, he chose to disclose his addiction and seek treatment in a rehabilitation center. At first he found the program difficult but found positive role models which inspired him. The article tells how once Harrington had overcome his addiction he was able to start repairing other aspects of his life. He managed to secure a job after attending a job fair. An employer at the fair was sympathetic to his situation and agreed to give him a chance. “I was totally honest with them from the beginning, and they were supportive of me. After six months on a temporary basis, they hired me on full time with benefits”. During the last 4 years, David Harrington Jr. has become a valued employee. He has also become an active member of Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) and works to help other addicts break their addiction. The Business Journal article describes how David Harrington Jr. has also been active in repairing relationships with his family and friends.
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Desert project fuels hope for young sniffers
21st February 2006
By Lindsay Murdoch
An article in The Herald documents a remarkable success in the long battle against petrol sniffing in a remote area of Central Australia. Petrol sniffing has had a devastating impact on many communities in Central Australia and has ruined lives of many young people. A new approach to the problem has proved remarkably successful in the small community at Yuenduma. A decade ago, there were an estimated 70 sniffers out of a population of 400 people. Crime and vandalism were rife. Community elders decided to send all of the petrol sniffers off to a remote outstation. The petrol sniffers were instructed in traditional indigenous culture and were denied access to petrol. All of the participants broke their addiction. When they returned to the community at Yuenduma, the sniffers were kept busy with a program of useful and productive activities. This remarkable report describes how the community at Yuenduma still remains free of petrol sniffing.
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“Today I Choose recovery”
11th February 2006
By Chris Duffy
Chris Duffy wrote about one man’s recovery from the grip of cocaine addiction. Dan Egan is a 43-year-old man who grew up in Green Bay. The article describes how Dan Egan started using cocaine in high school. Over the next few years he continued to use the drug but managed to maintain a fairly normal life. Dan Egan even started his own business. Egan told the reporter “I’d lie to myself and the people around me”. There was however no escaping the intrusion of drugs and alcohol into his life. Family and friends noticed that his behaviour was changing. On occasions, Dan Egan disappeared for long periods. The story describes how he turned to the Nitschke Center for help. Egan found it hard to accept that he needed help but found the courage to try. He has never looked back and now looks forward to a brighter future. In the article he comments on his addiction and his commitment to a new life. “It was terrible. It was a nightmare. So today I choose recovery”.
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How I crawled out of heroin gutter
5th February 2006
By Lesley Roberts
The story of former drug addict Kerry Condron provides a source of hope and inspiration for all people suffering from the effects of drug addiction. The Sunday Mail reported that Kerry, from Glasgow, first experimented with cannabis when she was aged 11. Over the next few years, Kerry Condron became dependant on other substances. She experimented with amphetamines, ecstasy, alcohol and tranquillizers. When Condron was aged 14, she became addicted to heroin and stole to fund her habit. Condron described the strong peer pressure to try heroin. “My friends were doing it and they didn’t look like junkies – so what was the harm?” The story tells how Kerry managed to keep her addiction a secret from her parents for several years. Her parents were shocked. “I lived in a nice house and thought I would go to university and have a fairly normal life. By the time I was 17 I had reached a personal gutter”. The support she received from family, friends and recovery groups made all the difference. Now the days ahead look bright. Kerry has completely recovered and reclaimed her life. She visits schools to tell students about her experience with addiction. Condron was recently honored by receiving an invitation to Downing Street to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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Former drug addicts change for the better
16th January 2006
By Hong Van
This interesting article reported on the experiences of drug addicts in Vietnam and the good work being done there to help those with drug dependencies. The article describes how a large number of addicts have recently been discharged from the Drug Counseling and Rehabilitation Centre. Many of those who have completed their programs have been in the centre for extended periods. The addicts come from all walks of life. A spokesman for the group, Chu Van Ngam said “We were once decrepit-looking people, with a deadly addiction and careless character. But now we realize how much our families suffered and how much the city had to spend to help us give up drugs”. One parent of the group told of his joy at the release of his son from the program. “We thought that we had lost our son. Now we’re so happy to see him preparing for a new life”.
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Ex-addict spreads word for sheriff
15th January 2006
By Mara H. Gottfried
This report describes the recovery of onetime beauty queen Sara Hejny from the grip of meth addiction. The story documents how her successful recovery has inspired others to tackle their addiction. Hejny now speaks to groups about the addiction which almost claimed her life. Hejny grew up in a middle class home. She discovered alcohol and drugs during her high school years and her life began to fall apart. Hejny endured a long battle to break the grip of her addiction to meth. The addiction had dramatic effects on her health and threatened her life. She was driven into crime to support her drug habit. She lost a large amount of weight and at one stage her kidneys started to fail. Hejny told The Pioneer Press that “I knew I was going to die or end up in prison”. She required several attempts at rehab before finally succeeding. She kept trying despite failures and setbacks. The effort was worthwhile. Now there is real hope for a brighter future. Sara Hejny speaks regularly in schools and prisons and works with families.
