Already flush with optimism and hope from my regular meeting, I headed off to the National Recovery Month Rally looking at the world through rose colored lenses. The day was beautiful, a slight breeze kept everything cool, and many people from local treatment centers and halfway houses had been brought out to enjoy some fresh air, food, music, and a positive recovery message. However it wasn’t long after arrival that I was presented with a stark reminder of why when dealing with the world of addictions one must keep a margin of emotional cushioning.

After making the rounds of greeting those that I have come to know through the substance abuse task force as recovery advocates and specialists in their field, I noticed I had left my camera in the car. Not wanting to miss a shot of the opening ceremony and remarks, I rushed back up the hill to the parking area to retrieve it. Near the park entrance I passed a rather scruffy guy loitering around with a plastic bag containing beer. Acting a little bit furtive about the contents of his bag, I just figured he had surmised what kind of event he had stumbled upon and was quietly making an exit.

I was wrong.

Click “Read more” to continue…

Returning with my camera I had the wind sucked out of my sails as I saw this guy motioning to one of the attendees down in the park while the rest of the crowd’s attention turned to the speakers. Yep, they were using the break from treatment as an opportunity to relapse. This has to be one of the worst ways I could think of to celebrate recovery {snark}!

I don’t know if the guy with the beer was an enabler or they were both scamming the event for a buzz, it really doesn’t matter and I didn’t waste any more time worrying about it. The picture above is just one I skimmed from the public domain because experience has taught me in these situations it is better just to let those not ready for recovery make their bed. There were plenty of others down in the park below that were serious about recovery, and so I went back down to enjoy the event and the fellowship. I will post a few pictures from the event later this weekend.

I guess the moral of this story is that when dealing with addictions be prepared for disappointment because it is almost always a constant factor… but it does make success, even temporary, that much sweeter.

Usually I stand out. Bald, ugly, and sometimes even described by children as scary, it rarely takes anyone more than a moment to pick me out of a crowd.

Those looking for me on weekends have it even easier because you will almost always find me leading a meeting or speaking about recovery. This weekend however, singling me out by listening for a recovery message will be rather difficult since I plan to be with about 500 other recovering alcoholics and addicts celebrating the 2008 National Recovery Month.

So if you happen to be in the Birmingham, AL area tomorrow between the hours of 10AM to 1PM drop by the park and see if you can locate me. There will be food, music, and of course a very positive message of recovery and information for anyone wanting to become involved in advocacy. I’ve place the specifics below the fold so click “Read more” to find out where TDA will be tomorrow…

Title Recovery Rally
Description The Recovery Rally is an outdoor event held for individuals in recovery and their families as well as friends, neighbors and community leaders. The rally provides everyone the opportunity to come together to celebrate recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders. There will be entertainment, food and personal testimonials from individuals in recovery. Information about how to get involved in advocacy will also be provided.

Date 9/20/2008 10:00 AM to 9/20/2008 1:00 PM
Type of Event Rally
Location The event will be held at Caldwell Park – Birmingham

Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 am -1:00 pm.

Expected Number of Participants 400
Primary Contact Mike Adams
Address 1625 12th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone Number (205) 933-2430
Email Address wmadams@uab.edu
Secondary Contact Shannon Byrd
Address 100 North Union Street
Montgomery AL 36130
Phone Number 334-353-7576
Email Address shannon.weston@mh.alabama.gov
Web Site http://www.formll.org