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recovering addict, counselor weigh in
The road to recovery can be an agonizing “When you see someone, either young or a child that has been exposed, got access to or process, but it’s important that those around even intentionally overdosed on a substance, users don’t ignore the issue. “It’s always a good sign when we see the it’s always impactful,” Calandrella said. “Not just to see the child, but the family, the people family understanding the importance of having who are around that person, really makes it a Narcan kit at home, having conversations with other people in the home about substance use,” stand out.” He added, “When we see someone coming Calandrella said. In sharing his recovery experience, however, in who, whether it was intentional or accidental, no matter what the age, we ask — ‘Could we Mike said his parents were helpful in their eventual choice to shut him have done anything to prevent out. this? What can we do to pre“I had hit a low point vent this in other people?’” t’s destroying where emotionally I felt like I Lee said, “A person came in as a near-fatal overdose. our community.” couldn’t keep living the way I was living,” he said. “And I Once they were resuscitated, — Dr. Shi-Wen Lee, chair of think part of my success is I they became conscious that emergency medicine at have a really great family and they’re in the emergency Jamaica Hospital support system, and they kind department. Now they’re Medical Center of stopped entertaining my awake and no longer under calls or talking to me towards the influence and want to go home. ... You have to let them go, because you the end. And that really felt impactful. “I really felt alone. And it’s very hard for can’t hold anyone against their will. “So we sent the patient home with their families to do that. I think back on it often, and spouse. And a day or so later, they came back I give my parents a lot of credit. When your again as a potential near-death overdose. And child is struggling, and you’re not sure if you’re that really scares me, because I know one of ever going to see them or talk to them again, it’s these days, they’re not going to have the oppor- hard to say, ‘Listen, I’m not going to talk to you. I can’t talk to you until you get help.’ And I tunity to call an ambulance.”
“I
think that really did motivate me to do something about it.” Mike also offered advice for those currently struggling and trying to get clean. “Anyone who is currently sober understands the struggle more than you know, and we know how scary and difficult it can be,” he said. “But power through the discomfort and pain and keep going in sobriety every single day, and things will get better. That’s a guarantee. ... “With no quick fix, it’s a lot of learning how to cope and regulate our emotions, which I think everybody has a problem with, not just addicts. But that, for us, seems to be a big trigger. So it’s something that we have to work on. And therapy is a really great tool, as well.” Clemente, a licensed social worker, spoke on how LICC helps those with substance issues. “All of our clinicians are able to address patients with co-occurring disorders, which is a big thing nowadays, especially with mental health driving self-medication,” she said. “We see patients coming in for mental health and discover the issues with substance use.” Clemente added, “We have a male patient has been with us for several years, and has maintained sobriety and has a young child, who is one of the big motivators for him. He’s working to become a peer advocate. I know we see a
Drs. Shi-Wen Lee, left, and Christopher Calandrella work tirelessly to address the opioid crisis in their emergency rooms. COURTESY PHOTOS lot more of the horror stories. ... But it does happen — people can beat this. ... “Whether it’s mental health issues, whether it’s substance or alcohol use, people can manage those things and heal and live meaningful lives.” Collymore also spoke on the importance of getting treatment. “There is hope. ... Never give up hope on your loved one. I don’t care how far down they’ve fallen. ... There is still hope for them. And if you can get them to treatment, there are a number of treatment programs.” After overcoming his addiction, Mike has proven it’s possible to thrive and live a full, happy life post-recovery. “I have a 1-year-old son now. He’s never seen me drink or anything, and it’s given me another renewed motivation to keep on this path. I feel Q very blessed and lucky.”
Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 26, 2023
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