What Recovery “Ain’t”.

In my first year of recovery, my friend JW used to say that every person he came in contact with had something to teach him.

Although, this concept appealed to me and seemed like a great idea , it puzzled me. How could I learn from a using addict? What did a dry drunk have to teach me? So one day, over a game of chess, I asked him. What do you mean? How can everyone be my teacher? Certainly, I will meet people who I should not pattern my behavior after.

He just smiled and said “If nothing else, I can learn what NOT to do.”

As simple a concept as it was, it was very profound at that time and is still a part of my recovery today. It helps me practice tolerance toward my fellow recovering brothers and sisters and to keep the focus on myself instead of everyone else.

So, in the spirit of this golden nugget of wisdom. I dedicate this video to my friend JW. I love you man!

The addicted get a “Second Chance”

Faces and Voices of Recovery, a national recovery advocacy organization, based in Washington, D.C., has reported that the Second Chance Act has passed Congress, as of March 11, and is headed to the desk of President Bush. Bush has expressed his support for the legislation and is expected to sign the bill into law.

The bill is designed to help individuals returning to communities from the criminal justice system get their lives back on track. Former prisoners would receive job training, literacy training, addiction treatment, counseling, housing and mentoring services under the bill.

Our hats off to Rep. Danny Davis [D-IL] and his cosponsors for authoring this important piece of legislation. By treating addiction on equal footing with other diseases, this bill is not only beneficial to our brothers and sisters reentering society, but to every addict seeking recovery.

Recovery blogger missing in action!

Over the next 10 days, we will be without the services of Eric, our beloved blogger, marketing guru, and all around idea guy. I, Anthony, your friendly neighborhood webmaster will be making an attempt to fill his shoes. He is in sunny Jamaica, soaking up the sun and preparing to be married to one of the coolest chicks ever!

He and his bride to be, Cora will be married on Sunday, March 15th. A true testament to the power of recovery! Everyone at Recovery Superstore would like to wish he and Cora all the best. May all their dreams come true!

We love you guys!! Bring us some Blue Mountain Coffee.