Voices of Recovery Initiative
This 30th September marks International Recovery Day, and the launch of Alcohol Action Ireland’s Voices of Recovery.
I am always amazed at the volunteers I meet along the way with their drive to achieve better for their peers, so am proud to be associated with this exciting new initiative. Our vision is to mobilise the recovery community into advocacy networks across Ireland and to drive evidence-based policy change. Things like better alcohol treatment services and curbs on alcohol marketing will help create a better world for us all.
Free from harm
In the autumn of 1977, a Baggot St Hospital Consultant diagnosed me as having a chronic problem with alcohol. That November, I put “the drink” down for the last time and came into recovery. Thankfully, I have been given a life that is now free of shame, stigma and harm… but others are not so lucky. It is now my life’s passion to get support to those who need it, without judgement or unnecessary suffering.
From a place of reflection I have developed this Alcohol Landscape Infographic. It gives an insight to what it’s like walking the fine line between “alcohol harm” and being “free from harm” as seen by me, a person in recovery. I know that taking recovery for granted is our biggest challenge but if we work together and get our voices heard, it will relieve that sense of hopelessness those struggling with alcohol addiction can feel.
Join the recovery tribe
I signed the Voices of Recovery charter in friendship and with empathy. If you would like to learn more about Alcohol Action Ireland’s Voices of Recovery initiative and how you can help, please visit their website.
Listen to the latest podcast on The Alcohol File hosted by Jennifer Hough. Here I discuss Voices of Recovery with Olympic medalist, Kenneth Eagan and recovery centre worker, Val Ward.
