Introduction

Personal Journeys of Drug & Alcohol Recovery

Introduction

There is wide recognition and publicity about high levels of substance use in communities that experience disadvantage. All too often, the spotlight is on the use of the substance, rather than the underlying causes which drive people to seek solace and escape through the use of drugs and alcohol or the ways in which people can and do recover. Developing our understanding of why and how people seek help and how services can effectively and efficiently respond, is key. This book focuses on and illustrates the positive changes that people have and are making in their lives in response to ceding their drug and alcohol use.

Although the term ‘recovery’ is not new, there are ongoing discussions and challenges about how to define our understanding of the term recovery. Often abstinence is assumed to be a key element of recovery but other principles of recovery have been suggested such as empowerment, selfdirection, healing, recognition of the need for change, and rebuilding a life in the community (CSAT, 2009). However, one key evolving idea around recovery, recognises that it is the individual themselves who defines if they are in recovery (Valentine, 2011). As has been the case with other writers and publications, this short book does not set out to define recovery in a narrow way rather the idea of recovery is recognised as “a sense of purpose and meaning, quality of life, and a sense of belonging” (Best, 2014, p5). With this in mind, it is important to acknowledge that behind the images of substance use, is a person, with a human story to tell. Furthermore, while we may be challenged to understand recovery within narrow limits, there has in recent years, been an energised, enthusiastic and passionate focus on what is being termed a recovery ‘social movement’ (Best, 2014).

Since 2019, Ballymun has become involved in this movement and has publicly marked recovery from drug and alcohol use with a number of special themes and events each September. This has become known as Recovery Month. Recovery month is an inter-agency initiative which aims:

• To promote and celebrate recovery;

• To promote recovery options; and

• To challenge the stigma of addiction (Hamilton, 2020).

Recovery month represents a specific time and event in the calendar each year, but recovery, as an idea, a practice, an experience and a way of life, threads through the fabric of Ballymun. Recovery in action is visible on a daily basis. Previous celebrations of recovery in Ballymun have been positively experienced and successful in a number of ways not least by raising awareness of recovery and promoting its value among those experiencing problematic alcohol and drug use. A review of Ballymun recovery month 2019 (Hamilton, 2020) showed a number of positive impacts on the community including challenging the stigma of addiction and enhancing feelings of pride, empowerment and belonging of those in recovery.

Given the positive and empowering effect that a local and national recovery movement can have, the continued visible promotion of recovery is seen as important at an individual, community and service provision level. With this in mind, this short book was produced and presents the recovery stories of 13 people. The names of all the contributors have been changed to protect their anonymity. The contributors stories describe firstly, their experiences with drugs, alcohol, and in some cases both and secondly, their journeys through a process of change. Not surprisingly, the links between substance use and other social and economic factors is evident and portrayed throughout the stories. It is striking that for many, their use of substances began at an early age; trauma was identified as significant in a number of stories; a sense of feeling captured and enslaved in addiction was highlighted; thoughts of suicide were expressed; and many described the notion of a recognisable ‘rock bottom’. In light of these life experiences, a number of core themes emerged from the stories identifying key turning points for recovery. These included:

• A ‘no one size fits all’ approach to recovery; • The importance of pushing at an open door when people are looking for support; • Although family and other peer supports were recognised as very important, the desire to recover for the self was key; andvii

• The positive and meaningful experiences that people had when availing of supports in Ballymun.

This book builds on all the other themes, events and conversations around recovery that happen in Ballymun. It is hoped that this book will positively contribute to the spirit and promotion of recovery in Ballymun, and act as an inspiration and motivation to others, through the sharing of stories of recovery.

Finally, towards the back of the book you will notice we have deliberately left a number of blank pages. These pages are a tacit acknowledgement of the many stories of recovery in Ballymun not represented in this book. In effect, these pages symbolise the many stories of recovery in Ballymun that are yet to be told.

We look forward to the continued sharing, writing and reading of the many stories of recovery being lived in Ballymun.

Criostóir Mac Cionnaith & Laura O’Reilly