Speaking loudly about being a person in recovery

For years the federal government has waged the "War on Drugs".   We know now that it has had little effect on stopping the flow of drugs into society.  The war has only filled our prison over capacity with people who need treatment not prison.  The war has only furthered the stigmatization of a person needing treatment and wanting recovery.

Now, there is a shift.  Now, it is time for all in recovery to speak loudly about what they are doing in their lives.   We have over 23 million of us in recovery and you know what?   We don't talk to anyone about our recovery!!!!    We keep our amazing lives in recovery veiled under a cloak of secrecy for fear of what people will think if they learn about it.   

And hey, I get it.    I used to do the same thing.  I would only share that I was a person in recovery to a select few. Why?   Because of the massive stigma attached to tell people.   Our society has been indoctrinated through the Drug War to see ONLY the horrible side of us.   The news shows the latest actor in active addiction.  COPs only showed people getting arrested in a drug fueled rage.   The latest reality prison series only shows what happens to people who really needed treatment not prison.   This all made sense.   It's time to change!  

I know so many amazing people in recovery.   Judges, Doctors, Lawyers, Police Officers, Teachers, and the list goes on!   I know people in recovery who have rebuilt families and careers to heights never before imagined.   We need to hear from everyone in recovery!    We need to show the world the positive side of active addiction.....RECOVERY!  

For those affected by addiction you know this is a health issue, NOT a criminal issue.   Families everywhere can see clearly that a person likely NEEDS treatment.  What if the system had easy and quick access to treatment?  What if the path to treatment was as quick as the path to jail?    Think about it...........Right now, if a person wants to go to treatment they have to go through layers of insurance or government red tape right?    But, on the other hand, if they steal or have drugs on them, the same person that wanted to go to treatment yesterday, but couldn't get in, is back out on the street committing a crime to get high, THEY GET INSTANT SERVICES!    They get a place to sleep, eat, access to an attorney, and medical services!!!!     

What if we changed the view of addiction from a criminal issue to a health issue?  What if the millions of us in recovery spoke loudly about our own walk in recovery.   We are over 23 million strong and you know what else we do now that we are in recovery????  WE VOTE!!!!   Yes, we could change all of this very fast if we spoke loudly about our cause.   

It is happening right now and I am begging everyone in recovery to become part of the movement to shift the tide.    You can learn what you can do by going to the websites listed below.   I am happy to help you learn what you can do.   Your lawmakers ARE listening RIGHT NOW!  

David A Douglas

Person in Recovery est. 2007

Faces and Voices of Recovery:  http://www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/

Facing Addiction: https://www.facingaddiction.org/actnow/

Youtube Video on the Recovery Movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csT3zfThKBU