RECOVERY A TRIP TO RICHER LIVES

If we polled people in recovery, it's doubtful any ever planned to grow up to
become alcoholics or drug addicts. Firefighter, airline pilot, doctor or nurse
- -- these are some of the more common childhood dreams. "Alcoholic" or "drug
addict" isn't a title most people would actively direct their efforts toward.
Yet many children who ultimately attain their goals of becoming a doctor,
lawyer or airline pilot also grow up to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Fortunately, many of these people find recovery. Some of the finest people I
know are those in recovery. They demonstrate that it's possible to overcome a
deadly addiction and be a contributing member of society.

My friends in recovery are doing everything they can to get back into the
mainstream of life, giving to their fullest potential. They are responsible
employees, spouses, parents, siblings and friends. Many are at the height of
their professions as doctors, lawyers, business leaders, truck drivers, grocery
store clerks, ministers and politicians.

Substance abuse doesn't discriminate. It's no respecter of skin color, gender
or status. It doesn't care what kind of car you drive. If we are susceptible to
the disease of addiction and don't get help, alcohol and drugs will take away
everything we've ever loved -- family, friends, job or life. It's only a matter
of time.

People in recovery are rich and poor, tall and short, male and female, famous
and infamous. Whether a recovering person is sleeping in a homeless shelter or
living in the White House, one common theme runs through their lives. It's the
theme of trying to better themselves and their lives.

Typically, most people who are successful in recovery rely upon some type of
12-step program to help them maintain continuous sobriety and abstinence. They
are striving to live lives based upon honesty, responsibility and integrity.

Some of these guidelines could be applied by all of us. Who wouldn't be better
off living a life that includes honesty, forgiveness, acceptance, tolerance and
dependence upon a higher power? Who wouldn't be better off making amends for
wrongs done to others, asking God to remove defects of character and trying to
help others who are struggling?

While people in recovery aren't flawless, the majority are sincere in seeking
better lives for themselves and the ones they love. Through their contributions
to society and a renewed sense of responsibility, they are improving life for
us all.

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is
celebrating National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September.
Odds are, every one of us, either directly or indirectly, knows someone who is
in recovery from an addiction.

For those still suffering from addiction, help is available. For more
information about treatment in your area, call the "Reach-Out" hotline at
1-800-522-9054 or your local Alcoholics Anonymous number.