Courtney Allen Augusta, Maine People Like Us Live Like This

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FOR MAINE’S RECOVERY COMMUNITY ISSUE 9

Tech Support Intersection of a pandemic and an epidemic

Braided Services: Penobscot Nation’s Healing to Wellness Court

ISSUE #9 1 journey FOR MAINE’S RECOVERY COMMUNITY ISSUE 9

PUBLISHER Carolyn Delaney

EDITOR Susan Axelrod

PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Delaney

ISSUE 8 CONTRIBUTORS Alison Jones Webb Amy Cook Amy Paradysz Casey McClurkin Members of the Journey team: from the left - Mary Atwood, Carolyn David Lee Delaney, Dean Raymond, Josh Riddle, Alison Jones Webb, Brian Delaney, Kimble Greene Amy Paradysz, Nancy Wolach, Kathy Potter, Lisa Twombly, Niki Curtis Patricia McCarthy Sarah Kelly Sarah Siegel

JOURNEY TEAM Barbara Conner Brenda Briggs Dean Raymond Josh Riddle Kaitlin MacKenzie Katahli Speig Mary Atwood Mickie Kucinkas Nancy Wolach Sarah Lunt Sarah Siegel Theresa Yarnold

[email protected] (207) 679-5005 Portland, ME 04101 www.journey-magazine.com

cover photo by Brian Delaney

CONNECT WITH US /recovery.journey.in.maine

April/May 2020 3 From the publisher -

It doesn’t seem nearly enough to say “Black Lives Matter.” Not nearly enough compassion, effort, or energy can go into those three words that communicate the extent to which humanity is waking up to the fact that we as a society need a paradigm shift-systemically. It’s a multi-system issue and to ﬁ x it requires a multi-system approach: not just law enforcement, not just housing, or education, or healthcare, but also businesses and ﬁ nancial institutions play a part in righting this wrong. It doesn’t seem nearly enough to share postings on Facebook to amplify the extent to which the system is broken and not nearly enough to donate to our local NAACP or patronize local black-owned businesses. I don’t know what “enough” would feel like here, but one thing we do believe is that visibility saves lives. It’s important for people in recovery to share their journey so that others can see we do recover and a core value for Journey is inclusivity. Being visible and adding our voices to the volume that Black Lives Matter is an action we can take. We can educate ourselves and do what we can to amp up the volume and be visible, vocal, bold, and consistent in our messaging, and although we’ll make mistakes as we show up imperfectly we’ll come from a place of love; and rather than be quiet out of fear of making mistakes, we’ll continue to show up. Alison’s article in this issue, How to Be An Ally, gives us some guidance on showing up for this by 1) Listening, 2) Learning, 3) Showing up, 4) Finding our talent and using it, and 5) Speaking up. Sarah Kelly’s article on Meaningful Conversations provides some tips on active listening. As we look to do our part in creating a more inclusive future, we welcome conversations about race and recovery in these pages. And we’ll actively seek out conversations to join as we learn more and engage more in being part of the solution.

From my heart, visible recove 4 ISSUE #9 In This Issue 09 Drug Court - a Lifeline 12 Tech Support Growing Recovery Strong 06 16 Communities Making Service an braided services 20 Everyday Practice Penobscot Nation’s Healing to Wellness Court weaves cultural connections into drug court 22 Mission Driven program 32 Meaningful Conversations

38 No Strangers

40 Letting Go of Holding On 24 28 becoming an ally people like us Amy Clark shares her live like this transition from affected In every Issue Courtney Allen other to an ally Recovery Allies - 24 Being and Becoming An Ally

26 Financial Wellness - Prioritization Employer Proﬁ le - 30 Great Falls Marketing 19 New Ventures - 34 Help with What’s Next this recovery life Mike Oullette

ery saves livesISSUE #9 5 Braided Services Penobscot Nation’s Healing to Wellness Court weaves cultural connections into drug court program by Amy Paradyz

honda Decontie grew up teaching me—the importance improve who we are, we need to tagging along with her of weaving our Native culture know who we are.” Rfather, Frank Decontie, an together with 12-step recovery addiction recovery counselor, programs.” Drug court participants may be to 12-step meetings where dealing with drug- or alcohol- she would recite The Serenity As clerk of the Penobscot Nation related charges or a crime, such Prayer along with the adults. Healing to Wellness Court since as theft, committed as a result of She and her dad They lived in 2011, Rhonda Decontie has been addiction. The Penobscot Nation, a First Nation community in key in developing the cultural based at Indian Island near Canada, and he would bring in component of what started out in Bangor, has its own legal system ceremonial aspects—singing and 2008 very much like a state-run and its own wellness court open prayer—while she would make drug court. to enrolled members of federally headdresses and dream catchers. recognized tribes. Following “Folks struggling with addiction the same key components of “As a grown woman,” she says, are often disconnected,” she says. any drug court—including that “I can appreciate what he was “And, if we’re going to do work to participation is voluntary and the 6 ISSUE #9 offender is not violent—Native wellness courts also weave in “I can appreciate what he was elements of their shared cultural identity. teaching me—the importance of The success of any drug court weaving our Native culture together or wellness court is measured by days or years of sobriety and with 12-step recovery programs.” reduced recidivism. Based on smallpox to indigenous people. encouraging statistics coming abuse counselors, mental health out of the Penobscot wellness counselors, cultural advisors and, representatives of housing, “The program isn’t just focused court, a core group—Rhonda on substance abuse counseling Decontie, social worker Donna law enforcement, education, and career and social services. but acknowledging personal and Decontie Brown (Rhonda’s sister) historical trauma and the impact and Judge Eric Mehnert—have Wellness court participants that plays on our people and our worked with the Passamaquoddy are intentionally brought back wellness,” Decontie Brown says. in Washington County, as well as into the fold of the Penobscot the Hopi in Arizona and the Lac community. They celebrate Mehnert compares trauma to an Courte Oreilles in Wisconsin, to New Year’s Eve together with infected wound. “Until we can get help other tribes establish their drumming, dancing and feasting. the infection—the trauma—out, own wellness courts. They make drums and weave the wound won’t heal,” he says. “A lot of people haven’t had the On Indian Island, bimonthly baskets, learn to make traditional regalia (a shawl for a woman or a opportunity to be in counseling, court hearings open with a and substance abuse often starts traditional spiritual practice of ribbon shirt for a man) and attend sweat lodge ceremonies and as self-medicating for underlying smudging, followed by a brief trauma.” non-denominational prayer and sweetgrass gatherings. a reading from regionally based “One strand of sweetgrass is not Under Mehnert’s leadership, Native moral instruction known strong on its own, but when you the program has evolved as the Teachings of the Seven weave it together is stronger,” from employing a probation Grandfathers. Participants sit in a Decontie Brown says. “What ofﬁ cer with a law enforcement semicircle, and everyone has the we’re really doing is braiding— background to a case manager opportunity to speak, including intertwining services working with a social worker background— encouraging one another and tightly together to lifte up and and the budget recently grew to creating a supportive community. support the participant. allow for two case managers.

“I was asked to develop a The Penobscot use the term Participants go through the problem-solving court rather “braided services” rather than program in 12 to 18 months, or than a punitive court,” says “wrap-around services,” which, 90 to 120 days for each of the four Mehnert, who has served the for some, connotes blankets and phases. To move on to the next Penobscot Nation as judge the historical trauma of blankets phase, the participant must have since 2008. “And that was being a form of transmission of 30 days of sobriety. Medically the beginning of a whole new assisted treatments such as approach, for me, with the law. Nationally, more than three- quarters of all individuals who are incarcerated for a charge with a substance abuse component will end up back in jail within ﬁ ve years. That’s a frightful statistic, and what it tells us is that incarcerating people isn’t going to solve the problem. Instead, we need to help people navigate behavioral change.”

To do that, the wellness court staff is supported by a team that includes clinicians, substance Donna Decontie Brown Rhonda Decontie Judge Eric Mehnert ISSUE #9 7 naloxone are allowed; medical are positioned on a medicine light up when they talk about marijuana is not. wheel graphic with each phase the chance to dance or be in a tied to a cardinal point direction sweat lodge, and they share those In the fi rst phase, the and a spiritual gift: East for new experiences at drug court. When participant meets with a case beginnings, South for protection I see participants coming back manager weekly and follows and purifi cation, West for and holding their heads high, it recommendations, which may cleansing and North for wisdom. fi lls me with joy.” include an inpatient or outpatient recovery program —and At program completion legal During the COVID-19 pandemic, participates in three recovery charges are dropped—and, the Penobscot wellness court has meetings and three random Mehnert says, the majority of continued biweekly hearings— urine screenings per week and a wellness court graduates do not via Zoom—and started a weekly wellness court hearing twice “re-offend.” session with case managers and a month. participants to discuss a chapter When participants complete in the book The Red Road to When a urine test comes back a phase, they are given the Wellbriety: In the Native American positive for substances, Mehnert traditional medicine for Way. has the authority to sentence which the phase is named. At the offender to jail time. But commencement, the graduate Freelance writer Amy Paradysz that’s a last resort, given that has all four elements, which they fi rst met sisters Donna Decontie the goal isn’t to incarcerate but light with an eagle feather. The Brown and Rhonda Decontie at to rehabilitate. To that end, the tribal chief or other tribal leader a Wabanaki-inspired fashion wellness team has been known and family and close friends of fundraiser for Maine Historical to ask the offender to write about the graduate are invited to mark Society. Both have a passion for what triggered their lapse and the accomplishment, and the behavioral health and wellness and how they can prevent another. graduate wears tribal regalia, a commitment to Native culture, walking with pride in their art and fashion. The four phases in the Penobscot community. wellness court are named for traditional medicines—tobacco, “The old ways are being lost,” Amy is a freelance writer from sage, cedar, and sweetgrass—and Decontie says. “But I see people Scarborough.

8 ISSUE #9 Cumberland County Drug Court was a lifeline for Lukas Rosov by Amy Paradysz It wasn’t until he was about 40 Life as a sober man is comparably days sober that he was able to sleep more fulfi lling.” Lukas Rosov, 39, of South Portland more than an hour at a time and says that the Cumberland County stopped fantasizing about escaping Recovery meetings and check-ins Adult Drug Treatment Court saved and getting drugs. And then he was remain a big part of his life, as are his life. ready for the opportunity offered yoga, prayer and meditation. to him—drug court, an intensifi ed “My life is full, rich, and “I had a long criminal record with probation program. drug-related charges, selling, meaningful, and I love the people consuming and getting caught The 18-month program has fi ve who are in it,” Rosov says. “People with drugs,” says Rosov, who was phases, and as the participant call me because they want my help addicted to cocaine and heroin. “I moves through the phrases, the with something or know I have an had a lot of wreckage, fi nancially requirements loosen. The fi rst ear to listen. I love to show up for and in terms of my family and the phase includes random urine people and to feel useful.” rest of my life.” testing about three times a week, Giving back has included talking a weekly meeting with a probation with new drug court participants, Caught selling drugs in Southern offi cer and a requirement to attend sharing advice and encouragement. Maine, Rosov was put on probation recovery meetings and other and—not ready to give up the positive social sober events. “Be open and stay with the drugs—went on the run. When law discomfort, because growth is enforcement eventually tracked “As important as the steps and always painful,” Rosov tells them. Rosov down in Massachusetts, his the meetings were, fi nding other “Get a little uncomfortable. probation offi cer drove there to men I could connect with and Get a little embarrassed. When pick him up, and Rosov spent weeks get vulnerable with because we you’re new to recovery, take the detoxing in Cumberland County were desperate,” Rosov says. suggestions. If you feel like you Jail. “There were a number of people don’t connect with someone’s story, who I connected with early on keep on showing up until you do.” And then, just when Rosov was on in my recovery who experienced the verge of sobriety, he succumbed reality in a way in which I longed Information on the to temptation when—while in jail— to experience reality. They were Cumberland County Adult he was able to get some heroin. satisfi ed with their lives and took Treatment Court is available at joy in the people they were around “I was shocked at the weakness of www.cumberlandcounty.org. and in themselves. my will,” he says. “I’ve only been on four drug runs in my life, but they I’m four years into it now, and I Amy is a freelance writer from all last years and they end with me do experience reality the way I Scarborough. burning my life to the ground, with want to. legal consequences.” ISSUE #9 9 CCCSUP: Lots of Letters, Important Work Cumberland County organizations come together to network and share information

During his run for ofﬁ ce, times a year. The group decreasing stigma, and District Attorney Jonathan consists of individuals and increasing the safety of all Sahrbeck met with various representatives from social citizens. groups of people doing services organizations, work around the addiction recovery houses, recovery At a time when communic- conversation here in community centers, businesses ating and working together Cumberland County. Once and the local government has an additional level of he was elected, he started administration. complexity, due to physical a coalition—bringing these distancing, the group groups together to facilitate The group is committed to continues to work together via conversations and the sharing communicating and building Zoom because the work that of resources and information. a network that is dedicated gets done is too important. to increasing prevention and The Cumberland County education for all ages, working If your group is interested in Coalition of Substance with treatment providers, attending, please reach out to Use Prevention (CCCSUP) encouraging harm reduction DA Sahrbeck at sahrbeck@ is a group that meets every strategies, embracing cumberlandcounty.org few months, about ﬁ ve the recovery community,

The growing list of organizations participating in the coalition: 211 Kennebunk Police Department Portland Needle Exchange Access Health (Brunswick) (and Rotary) Program Advocate (parent of victim of SUD) Lake Region Recovey Center Portland Police Alliance for Addiction & Mental Liberty Bay Recovery Portland Public Health Health Services Maine Association of Recovery Portland Recovery Community Ctr Be The Inﬂ uence Residences Preble Street Blue Willow Maine Health Probation Casco Bay CAN Maine Health, Anti-Tabacco Public Health Consultant Commissioner of Public Safety Services RALI Community Health Pharmacies Maine Health/CTI RN/SUD Expert (Maine Health) Community Housing of Maine Maine Pretrial Services Senator Collins’ Offi ce Cumberland County Sheriff ’s Offi ce Maine Reentry Senior Director (Maine) Addiction Deputy Director of Preble Street MaineWorks Policy Forum Director of Opioid Response Marketing Consultant WGME SoPo Unite (Governor’s Offi ce) Mercy Hospital SoPo Unite / MMC Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Mid Coast Hospital South Portland Police Easter Seals Maine Milestone The Family Restored Easter Seals NH (Recovery Friendly Myrtle Street Sober Living (Owner) TOA Lake Region Public Health Workplace) Neuroscience Expert Program Coordinator Foundation House Opportunity Alliance – PATH Tobacco Harm Reduction Grace House Opportunity Alliance – US Senator Angus King’s Offi ce Journey Magazine Public Health Van Liew Mediation Just Love Worldwide Pine Tree Recovery Westbrook Communities that Care Keeping Kids Safe (Maine) Portland Downtown Westbrook Police

10 ISSUE #9 Æ1&/*'% &))10'

A very special thank you to these people who have helped to support Journey getting to the printer. This section will stay in every issue for 2020 and we'll add people to it as we receive support on our website. Join us on this page with any gift size dollar amount at journey-magazine.com and click on Sponsorship. .¨3O

Amy and Noodles Barbara Lamont Anonymous x 5 Jennifer Kimball Johnson Karen St. Clair Lowell & Ella Brown Sandra Stone Connie & Michael Mercer Rebecca Laber-Smith M.C. Hothem, DO Elaine D Blanchard B. Owens-DeWitt MaineWorks Celia Grand, LCSW, BCD Mandy Schumaker Susan Britton Pettingill Leslie Clark Dave & Karen Packhem The Family Restored Karen Stultz, CHt, CIWC Mickie Kucinkas Bella Vida Hypnosis Body & Soul Health Solutions Bill & Linda Lundborg Isaac Shainblum Dennis & Debbie Gallant Barbara Sullivan Bob Dawber Courtney Allen Mary Atwood Stephen Andrew, LCSW LADC Josh Riddle Craig & Lisa Mommabear7☮❤ Dean Raymond

ISSUE #9 11 Tech Support At the intersection of a pandemic and an epidemic, telemedicine revolutionizes addiction treatment. by Amy Paradysz

hen Dr. Ted Logan “It expanded access,” he said, Outside of rural geographies and of Maine Behavioral adding that patients didn’t need challenging locations such as WHealthcare transitioned to take a day off from work, jails, telemedicine didn’t really his substance use disorder line up a babysitter or drive in take off until COVID-19 pushed practice to mostly telemedicine, icy conditions. When another nearly every aspect of our lives— COVID-19 was still at least three physician was ill, Logan was able employment, education, religious years in the future. For him, the to cover for him, even though services, social gatherings and impetus was expanding access they were in different regions of even medical care and recovery to rural Mainers, some of whom the state, and patients received support meetings—into the would have to drive 100 miles or seamless care. virtual realm. more to a clinic.

12 ISSUE #9 televideo and—where there “For some wasn’t a smartphone or a robust data plan available—50 percent individuals, telephone. especially “We really worked hard at replicating what our individuals those who were who we work with are used to but in the remote model,” challenged Poulin says. “For some individuals, especially those by reliable who were challenged by reliable transportation and child care, transportation this model works very well, and it’s our hope that we are able to and child care, preserve some aspects of remote this model works care.”

Enso Recovery had already been very well” using telemedicine with inmates at Kennebec County Jail and Two Bridges Jail in Wiscasset using a that people care for you and that platform called Vsee, which was you have things to offer as well as quickly overloaded as COVID-19 receive.” drove medical care online. Switching over to Zoom and By mid-April, four out of ﬁ ve Google Hangouts, Enso quickly Penobscot Community Health moved all patient groups—not Center recovery sites were just incarcerated groups—online. “For years, the technology was offering group counseling via Zoom and receiving positive available but you couldn’t get “Realistically, it was overnight,” feedback from patients and people to use it,” says Gordon says Steve Danzig, executive providers. Smith, director of opioid response director. “As soon as this for the State of Maine. “And now started happening, people “They’re happy to see each other telemedicine should be here to started becoming nervous about and connect,” said Amanda stay.” coming into the ofﬁ ce. You could Gagnon, manager of recovery just feel it.” Faced with a pandemic, the services barriers to use of telemedicine— Logan, whose pre-pandemic “Since COVID-19, telehealth ensuring patient privacy and patient load was 80 percent has become a mainstay of insurance reimbursements—were virtual, is now seeing his model surmounted quickly. Nearly all replicated around the state. medical insurance providers, Meanwhile, due to a change in including Medicaid, are now federal law as of May 15, the reimbursing for telemedicine. initial medical evaluation for medicine assisted treatment Deb Poulin, senior director (MAT) can now happen virtually of substance use treatment rather than in person. and prevention at Maine Behavioral Healthcare, said “We are creating a way to match that before the COVID-19 crisis, resources with people and meet addiction treatment services people where they are at, which for individuals, groups and includes people in abusive intensive outpatient programs, relationships, people coming out were 90 percent face to face, of incarceration and people who nine percent televideo and one are unemployed,” Logan says. percent telephone. By the end of “It’s a very important thing to Deb Poulin, April, services were 50 percent feel heard and understood and Maine Behavioral Healthcare

ISSUE #9 13 Anonymous (NA) also moved online, where it is possible to be You’ve done “actually anonymous,” Murphy says, “listening to what goes on the hard work, and seeing if it’s a good fi t.” now it’s time to That shift online was swift, recover though not immediate—and fi nding and accessing a meeting your health online was challenging for many in those early days and weeks. Large numbers of recovering Your body is like a guitar addicts who were used to attending a meeting several days You’re made up a week without fail suddenly went of many frequencies weeks without that support—and treatment providers saw the When out of tune, Vijay Amarendran - Penobscot effects. Community Health Center you can’t function well “That was a big loss of a support network for a lot of our patients,” Based on the wisdom eatment,” says psychiatrist Amarendran says. “We saw Vijay Amarendran, director of of the ages and instability as people who had ddiction Services at Penobscot been sober for months or years leading-edge research, Community Health Center. “We took a step back—even people want social distancing, which NES Health can tune who didn’t relapse tended to causes some social isolation. But experience more cravings, or your ‘strings’ to there have been some success smoke more cigarettes than support vibrant health stories.” before or experience more Some patients dropped a three- withdrawal symptoms or more hour round-trip commute, while depression, anxiety or social /P/FFEMFT/P.FET others were able to schedule isolation.” their check-in during their lunch Examine that same glass as half break. And, even with all this full rather than half empty, and convenience, the psychiatrist it is clear that a regular support is still able to see the patient network helps reduce cravings, and pick up on emotional cues, depression and anxiety and making telemedicine with video prevent social isolation. more effective than a phone call. And while there are advantages Paul Murphy, a clinician with to local face-to-face meetings Maine Behavioral Healthcare, that foster deep connections had a patient who was quite and communities, the quickly nervous about participating in growing global network of online group therapy. Coincidentally, 3FDPWFSZPVSIFBMUI support is immediate and ever- groups moved to Zoom before the XJUI/&4)FBMUI present. patient’s fi rst session. CZ “Meetings are hosted all over “Zoom made group easily the world at all times of day and accessible to him right off the night,” Smith says. “You can bat,” Murphy says, “and it may check in with people in New make the transition for him into Zealand at 3 a.m., if that’s when live groups easier.” you need a meeting.” In Maine and all over the world, 207-781-6060 support meetings like Alcoholics Amy is a freelance writer from XXX.Z*OOFS*NBHFDPN/&4 Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Scarborough.

14 ISSUE #9 iRUhR8hj@3h?CII +RnNc3ICN<

You are not alone. We understand. We’ve been there. We can help.

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1SPKFDUGVOEFECZUIF.BJOF)FBMUI"DDFTT'PVOEBUJPO 207.232.6127 [email protected]

ISSUE #9 15 Portland Recovery Community Center at 468 Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine Growing Recovery Strong Communities in Maine Recovery centers are formed by people in recovery for people in recovery

by Leslie Clark

et me start with a confession. many years but had never heard Today, I know a lot more about Not so many years ago, I of a recovery community center. recovery community centers and Ldidn’t even know what a Was it another AA clubhouse? No their history and growth in the recovery community center (but there are some AA meetings United States. I am blessed to was. I’d been driving by the there.) Is it a drug counseling serve as the executive director newly started Portland Recovery center? Not at all (but, there are of PRCC, which is also the home Community Center (PRCC) on people in recovery who have of the Maine Recovery Hub for my daily route, and noticed taken peer recovery coach classes recovery centers throughout the building. I’d been hearing and can help.) Was it a drop-in Maine. casual conversations about what center? Nope. (You can deﬁ nitely was going on there and how drop in anytime, but be prepared I could have never known when I wonderful it was, but I just didn’t to actively participate in your ﬁ rst walked through the doors of get it or understand the need for own recovery journey, including the PRCC and felt its welcoming it. I’d been in active recovery for the potential of volunteering.) magic that I would become its

16 ISSUE #9 fi rst executive director and a huge champion for recovery “We rebuild our own lives, community centers. and use our recovery to help What is a recovery community build healthy communities and center and why do they matter? Recovery community centers are contribute to positive society” formed by people in recovery, for people in recovery. They and provides vital support and addiction in Maine will have exist to provide peer recovery opportunities for mutual healing. direct access to a local recovery support services, educate the We fi nd ourselves through our community center that community about addiction community of belonging. provides support, education, and recovery, and promote the and individual resources that Recovery is a lifelong journey enhance their ability to heal, positive benefi ts of recovery in sustained by hope, gratitude, and order to reduce stigma. They strengthen, and grow in their service. Recovery is not a linear recovery pathway, throughout all serve as community centers for process and is based on continual people in recovery—providing stages of their journey. The state growth throughout our lives. legislature and the governor’s a place for people to gather The process of healing provides and create a community that offi ce have been extremely opportunities to improve health supportive in providing includes everything from support of mind, body, and spirit, and to groups for people in recovery funding to start new centers help others. We share our stories, and championing peer recovery and their families, to advocacy our experiences, and our hope to activities and recreational and support services, recognizing help others and to continue our their unique and important role social events. Many recovery own journeys in wellness. community centers like PRCC in helping people fi nd and sustain recovery. are independent nonprofi t Recovery involves addressing organizations. Others may discrimination and transcending If you are interested in operate with a sponsoring shame and stigma. Recovery is volunteering, fi nding a recovery organization. What they all have a process by which individuals, community center near you, in common is that they share families and communities or starting one in your own some core ideals and values. confront stigma, overcome community please call PRCC at shame, and stand up for others. There are many pathways of 207-553-2575 or visit us at www. Recovery community centers portlandrecovery.org. recovery. Recovery community provide community education, centers support multiple speaker opportunities, and pathways of recovery and provide advocacy for just policies and Note from the publisher: This a place for people to explore, increased resources for treatment create, and fi nd the supports and prevention. We rebuild our is the fi rst article from Leslie that work best for them. These own lives, and use our recovery to Clark in a series focusing might include 12-step meetings, help build healthy communities on the recovery community SMART recovery, Recovery and contribute to positive society. centers around Maine. We’re Dharma, Wellbriety, yoga, HOPE, We may volunteer to serve on excited to amplify & promote art and music groups, or other advisory councils, boards, task the great work being done at established as well as newly forces, and committees at the the Centers! emerging ways of fi nding health local, state, and federal level. and freedom from addiction. In the past three years Maine Recovery is supported by has grown from having just connection with others. All two recovery community Leslie M. Clark, MSW humans have the inherent need centers (PRCC and the BARN) serves as executive to belong and to connect with to having ten, and the number director of Portland others. Isolation goes hand- is increasing. In late 2017 PRCC Recovery Community Center (PRCC). Leslie in-hand with substance use became its own independent disorder. Forming connections speaks openly as a nonprofi t organization and person in long-term recovery with others who have shared our board set a bold vision— to help reduce stigma and advocate for similar experiences creates that every person affected by resources and effective public policy. community, magnifi es hope, ISSUE #9 17 Here are the recovery community centers in Maine:

Roads to Recovery Lakes Region Community Center Recovery Center 1 Water Street, Caribou 25 Hospital Drive, Suite E, (207) 493-1278 Bridgton (207) 803-8707 Aroostook Recovery Center of Hope Portland Recovery 36 North Street, #1, Houlton Community Center (207) 271-0085 468 Forest Avenue, Portland (207) 553-2575 DownEast Recovery Support Center Pir2Peer Recovery Center 311 Main Street, Calais 1009 Central Avenue, (207) 952-9279 Millinocket (207) 723-1327 DownEast Recovery Support Center Larry Labonte 11 Free Street, Machias Recovery Center (207) 259-6238 412 Waldo Street, Rumford (207) 418-4983 Bangor Area Recovery Network REST Center 142 Center Street, Brewer 205 Main Street, Lewiston (207) 561-9444 (207) 783-7378

Boothbay Harbor Peer & Coastal Recovery Wellness Center Community Center 35 School Street, 24 Lincoln Street, Ste 103, Boothbay Harbor Rockland (207) 315-6236 (207) 691-3697 Peer Learning Center at Bath 340 Oak Grove Avenue, Bath (207) 389-4236

18 ISSUE #9 THIS

MIKE OUELLETTE Sanford, Maine

by Nancy Mccallum

ike Ouellette says the lowest point of his life was MNovember 14, 2014. He had been struggling for a long time. He had lost his parents to cancer, and a sibling had also been diagnosed with cancer.

Mike had moved from his northern Maine hometown to York County, to live with a family member. He was struggling emotionally. He felt he had no direction. He was unable to sleep. He began to self-medicate with alcohol. “At fi rst it was relief, then after time it became a need,” he says.“My father was an alcoholic, like his father before, photo provided by Nancy McCallum and I swore I would not let it happen to me, but eventually I fell “I went to various groups, was set eventually became a cook. After into the cycle where I needed to up with a doctor to address health working two years in the kitchen, consume alcohol just to function.” issues, met with housing to make in January 2017 he was offered Mike lost “most everything,” sure I could acquire a place to live the position of Food Pantry including a place to live. “I had after my stay, but most important Coordinator. of all, I was able to talk to a nowhere to go,” he says. He “After all I had been through, when remembered hearing about York counselor and fi nally let go of all the things that were eating me up I thought my life was ending in County Shelter Programs (YCSP) at hopelessness ... I was able to turn AA meetings he had attended. inside, and learn how to deal with life on life’s terms,” Mike says. it all around by doing one thing: “So, I showed up with just one big Asking for help,” Mike says.“That’s bag in my hand that contained all After a few weeks he was enrolled what it’s all about: Hope. I love my that I had, and that’s really where into a six-month residential job, the agency I work for, and the my story begins,” he says.“They substance abuse treatment people that surround me. I was welcomed me with open arms program at Angers Farm in West given a new lease on life, and I am and assured me that everything Newfi eld. After completing that, so grateful! he moved back to the shelter while would be OK. Those words meant Who else can say that every day so much for me to hear, because waiting for housing, and started a vocational training program in when they come to work they get until then, I was so lost. It was to pay it forward and freely give scary at fi rst, but after a few days YCSP’s Food Services department. “I started doing chores like dishes the tools and hope that were so of settling in, I knew I had come to freely given to them! I am truly the right place.” and cleaning. You know, keeping busy. That was a big part of my blessed, and owe so much to York YCSP assigns new residents a sobriety,” he says. “Learning how County Shelter Programs.” “navigator” to help people address to do things all over again without the issues that led to homelessness. having substances involved.” He

ISSUE #9 19 Making Service an Everyday Practice

by David Lee

f you feel like you don’t have So does service. the end of our pleasantries “Boy… time to volunteer, that doesn’t you have lots of energy for a Imean you can’t engage in It’s just as important—if not more Friday afternoon! That’s great!” service. important—to recognize simple opportunities in our everyday I remember being touched Engaging in service doesn’t have lives to give to, and uplift, others. by her generosity of spirit… to mean volunteering at a soup both in bothering to notice kitchen, animal shelter, or for Here’s an example: and appreciate when someone some other non-proﬁ t. shows up in an uplifting way, A few months ago, I met with and in bothering to share her Liz Cotter Schlax, CEO of United Instead of seeing service solely observation with that person. as volunteering for a worthy Way of Greater Portland at their organization or cause, what if we ofﬁ ce in the Old Port. I walked Think of how rarely that happens. see it as something we bring to in and introduced myself to the our everyday lives? receptionist, Sharon Roberts. Within a couple of weeks after my interaction with Sharon, I was It’s like the saying “charity Not only was she warm, friendly, reminded of the simple gift she begins at home.” and welcoming, she also said at gave to me, when I encountered

20 ISSUE #9 two other receptionists who We can do the Share uplifting stories of people interacted in a bored, indifferent following: overcoming challenges or being manner. kind to others (can’t think of Be fully present and truly listen any, Google “inspiring stories” or I noticed the difference in how I when talking with others. “positive news”). felt after interacting with them, compared to how I felt after Instead of acting in an Remind people who are feeling meeting Sharon. impersonal, “you don’t matter” scared of the things they’ve way to clerks, consciously make overcome—i.e. “If you overcame The difference speaks to a eye contact, smile, and speak as that, you can overcome this!” line from Jim Carrey’s famous if you were talking to any other commencement speech: person who matters. Better yet, Practice managing our emotional beam love at them. state so we are fi lled with joy, “The effect you have on others is gratitude, and goodwill. When we the most valuable currency there Smile at strangers. are fi lled with these emotions, we is.” can’t help but show up in a way Practice being more aware of that uplifts others. Your effect on others might also opportunities to give sincere be the greatest gift you have to compliments and be more bring to the world. David Lee is an generous with your compliments. internationally recognized You can show up in the authority on organizational Do the same with gratitude. and managerial practices world in such a way that your that optimize employee interactions are a gift and an act Practice being tuned into performance, morale, and of service through bringing more noticing opportunities and wellbeing, and a career mindfulness and intentionality potential connections that might to all of your relationships and benefi t others, and then follow- interactions. up by taking the extra step to let them know.

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ISSUE #9 21 Eddie Greyfox Burgess in his 1965 Ford Fairlane | photo credit: Brian Delaney Mission Driven Eddie Greyfox Burgess delivers curbside wellness by Amy Paradysz

othing draws a crowd like a turquoise 1965 It wasn’t until Burgess refi nished the Ford Fairlane Ford Fairlane shining in the sun—and that’s two years ago and took it out on an outreach spin Nexactly what Eddie Greyfox Burgess was that he really started to make some traction— looking for in a “wellness mobile.” both in terms of event invites and the numbers of people drawn into dialogue. Since then, Burgess “It was contemplating its life mission and its has encountered about 50,000 people, distributing personal worth,” Burgess says, with dry humor. “I marketing materials published by the Centers for talked it out of going to the scrapyard, and it now Disease Control, National Institute on Drug Abuse, has purpose and a better life. It does get a lot of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services attention, especially with all the fl ags on it.” Administration, and the State of Maine, some printed during the Baldacci administration a decade ago. Burgess, who has health issues that make it diffi cult for him to continue working full time as a social “I can’t tell you how many coloring books were worker and substance abuse counselor, didn’t think shredded to ‘say no to drugs’ or ‘stop drinking’ or that the state’s dusty pallets of printed materials on ‘don’t smoke,’ which are all messages that should topics such as substance abuse, violence and diabetes be given out today,” says Burgess, who has been prevention should go to waste. Four years ago, he sober since 1994. “These are all important messages. started driving around in his pickup truck, handing But somebody sitting in a cubicle thought that this out old brochures and coloring books and starting coloring book was worthless because it has been conversations with people—sometimes making an sitting in a pallet and nobody requested it.” impact on the lives of people in desperate situations.

22 ISSUE #9 Confi dent that the materials would be appreciated even if not Eddie throws a pebble in the pond requested, Burgess loaded them into the trunk of the Fairlane— and waits for the ripples, whether along with issues of Journey he gets to see them or not and poison control and suicide prevention hotline magnets— and went to antique car shows, pretty rampant with addiction— gets me out of the house, driving festivals and public safety events drinking, smoking, gambling, and around in an old car and talking in and surrounding Oxford then some other substances like with people.” The Fairlane—and County. He puts the materials cocaine,” he says. “Addiction has car shows, in general—may be out on a table and lets that always been around me. Even at a taking a back seat this summer start a conversation. “It’s not a young age I can remember going due to the COVID-19 pandemic. clinical setting, and people aren’t to people’s birthdays, barbecues, But Burgess has shifted gears to hindered in any way and just and family gatherings, and dropping off bags of materials— talk,” he says. “People come and everybody was getting hammered. including issues of Journey —in tell me their stories all the time.” There were always substances.” economically challenged areas of Franklin, Oxford, Sagadahoc, A few years ago, Burgess Though he is Micmac on and Androscoggin counties. Gas encountered a young mother his paternal grandfather’s card donations keep the old gas with substance use disorder side, Burgess hadn’t grown guzzler on the road. who was living in her van with up connected with the tribe. her son. He encouraged her to Nonetheless, the tribe came More information is available on get treatment and didn’t know looking for him in 1994 when the Wellness Mobile Facebook whether he had gotten through to he gave up on substance abuse page, which is evolving into a her. It wasn’t until she was picked treatment and disconnected from community bulletin board of up on possession charges and his family. Out of the blue, three wellness-related resources on went to the Maine Correctional Micmac tribal elders showed everything from substance abuse Facility in Windham that she was up at a bed and breakfast in and suicide prevention to fi nding ready to make a commitment rural New Hampshire and found food distribution and healthcare to herself—with medication- 22-year-old Burgess sitting in the resources and avoiding tick- assisted treatment (MAT), group dark.“They evaluated me, they bourne illnesses counseling and one-on-one gave me my name—Greyfox—and “It’s funny: As a kid, I learned therapy. they realized the situation that I was in, which wasn’t good,” he how to drive in a Cadillac similar When she saw Burgess again says. They led his fi rst recovery to what John Kennedy drove, and last summer, she told him that meeting—and many more after now I’ve kind of gone full circle,” she had 18 months of sobriety that, connecting him, both says Burgess. “The Native elders and was living with her son in literally and fi guratively, with will always tell you life is a circle; an apartment. A conversation a tribe. “How they found me, where you start, you always with an empathetic stranger had I really have no idea,” he says. return.” made a difference—which is, in a “But thank goodness they did.” nutshell, the mission of Burgess’ Burgess never drank again. Amy is a freelance writer from Wellness Mobile. It isn’t really Scarborough. about a car or printed materials— After studying human services it’s about using those tools to substance abuse services at forge connections in which Maine Community College Burgess can leverage his personal and the University of Maine at and professional experiences to Augusta, he spent many years as pay it forward—to throw a pebble a social worker helping people in the pond and wait for the with substance use disorder, ripples, whether he gets to see sex addiction or post-traumatic them or not. stress disorder.“My health has deteriorated enough now Sometimes those ripples start that I don’t really do well in in unexpected ways, such as an offi ce,” he says, adding that the story of how Burgess turned he is studying for a chaplaincy his life around. “My family is certifi cate. “The Wellness Mobile ISSUE #9 23 Five tips for being a recovery ally by Alison Jones Webb

eing a recovery ally is the one of the best online resources of the Connecticut Community a journey, a lifelong to answer just about any question for Addiction Recovery, the Bcommitment to take actions about recovery. organization that designed the that support people in recovery. recovery coach curriculum used in There are many ways to show your 3. Show up Maine, “If you’re lit up, if you’re support. Here are some tips that I Tom Coderre, Northeast Regional fi re is stoked internally, it doesn’t have learned from my friends and Administrator for the Substance matter whether you’re in recovery colleagues in recovery. Abuse and Mental Health Services or not. It’s really just the ability to Administration, suggests becoming love and care and sit with somebody 1. Listen involved in a local task force or and have your spirit warm theirs.” There’s nothing like talking to a coalition that already has a strategy person in recovery who is open and they are implementing rather than People in leadership positions, willing to discuss their experiences. starting something new. “Allies including policy makers, Ron Springel of the Maine can bring new energy, thoughts, can examine the role that Association of Recovery Residences and experiences to the group,” Tom discrimination against people suggests getting to know people says. with substance use disorder plays face-to-face. “It’s really hard if you in organizations and systems – haven’t had addiction to understand Attending community events like like health care, employment, the power that addiction has.” Most recovery rallies and community and housing – and work to make of our friends and neighbors who meetings to discuss addiction and system-wide and structural are in recovery are eager to talk recovery is a great way to show your changes. about their own recovery and to support. answer open-ended questions like, 5. Speak up “What is your recovery journey 4. Find your talent We can all call out stigma. Philip like?” or, “What do you like most and use it Rutherford, Executive Director of about being in recovery?” Employers can hire people in Faces and Voices of Recovery, the recovery and create a safe space for national advocacy organization 2. Learn employees to disclose their recovery for people in recovery, says that, Make a point of learning about status. like fi ghting racism, one of the the pathways of recovery. A great best ways to fi ght the stigma of Teachers can speak in positive place to start is by watching two substance use disorder and recovery terms about the possibility of documentaries: The Anonymous is to call it out, one-on-one, person- recovery and the hope that a People, about recovery, and to-person when you hear it. When healthy lifestyle offers. Generation Found, about youth you hear someone using insulting recovery. or offensive language about people Faith leaders can create a safe place with substance use disorder, or for members of the congregation to Maine’s recovery community people in recovery, speak up. talk about recovery. centers are the best places to learn Rutherford suggests saying, “When about local recovery resources (see Community members can volunteer you say that, it can have a negative page 16 to learn where to fi nd the at local recovery community effect on people trying to change centers) centers. their life. Is this what you meant? Tell me more about why you feel Many 12-step meetings like Community members can become that way.” Alcoholics Anonymous are open, recovery coaches. Recovery which means anyone can attend. community centers and other Alison Jones Webb is a There are hundreds of meetings in organizations in Maine offer public health professional Maine. A list of AA meetings is at recovery coach trainings, who has worked in the fi eld of substance use the Central Services Offi ce website which aren’t just for people prevention, treatment and in recovery. According to Phil The Recovery Research Institute is recovery in Maine for over 15 years. Valentine, Executive Director 24 ISSUE #9 Becoming a Recovery Ally No special skills required by Amy Clark

hen the opioid crisis hit know there were that many good would be willing to take over for my family it did so with people in the world.” her. I was surprised, honored, and Wthe force of a wrecking honestly, a bit terrifi ed. ball, destroying everything in I began volunteering, serving its wake. My family was lucky; on committees, and trying to Two years later, I continue to our story has a happy ending. learn everything about the co-facilitate this now bi-monthly In the years since, as I watched recovery community that I could. meeting and have just begun the crisis continue to ravage the I was able to share my family’s my second term as Chair of Bangor area, I have constantly story with the BARN’s monthly the BARN Board of Directors. felt compelled to give back, in Addiction in the Family meeting I have been able to learn so support of families like mine. for affected others. much in that time, not only about addiction and recovery, It seemed like an impossible What I remember most about my but about service, advocacy, idea; after all, I am not a social family’s struggles was the deep strength, and resilience. I have worker or a medical professional. loneliness that I felt. Although I met the most amazing people I did not know anything about have always been lucky to have who have dragged themselves out addiction, and outside of my amazing friends, none of them of the depths of hell and became family I had never even met understood what we were going healthy, happy people, who do all anyone who identifi ed as being through. The way addiction hung that they can to help others just in recovery. I didn’t think that I over our family was like a black like them. This place that I went had anything to offer. And then, cloud. We lived every single hoping I might be able to inspire a friend gave me a tour of the moment of our lives wondering one person with my family’s Bangor Area Recovery Network “What’s next?” story, ended up inspiring me (BARN). more than I ever expected. Groups like that didn’t exist The fi rst time I walked into the when my family needed them. After years of believing I couldn’t BARN, I knew it was unlike As I sat for the fi rst time in a help, I now support people in anywhere I’d ever been. At the room full of people who totally recovery, work to have a positive time, there was no full-time understood what I went through, impact in my community, and staff. Almost all the work was I immediately understood the help families just like mine. done by volunteers, and they importance of connection and Anyone can be a recovery ally, all were completely self-funded. It community, not only for those it takes is compassion, empathy was inspiring, the amount of in recovery, but for their friends and a willingness to show up. No love and commitment that went and family as well. A few months special skills required. into such an accomplishment. I later, one of the creators and remember the fi rst thing I said facilitators of the meeting moved when I left was, “I honestly didn’t out of the area and asked if I

ISSUE #9 25 How to prioritize bills and spending during times of ﬁ nancial insecurity by Casey McClurkin

adies and gentlemen: it’s offi cial. We have reached the most unpredictable moment of Lour lives. Because of the COVID crisis, our economy —be it city, state, country, and the entire world—is facing unprecedented insecurity. I don’t need to go into details; you read and watch the news. Suffi ce it to say that with unemployment rates in April being reported at 14.7 percent, and with more people fi ling every day, there’s a good chance your wallet has been impacted by this crisis.

Even if you still have your job, I’m willing to bet you have changed your spending and saving habits in some way, intentionally or not. For example, if you are working from home, you are saving on fuel and maintenance on your car. Many automobile insurance companies are sending refunds or automatically discounting their rates. Perhaps you are no longer spending money on child care. Maybe you aren’t spending as much on clothes, toiletries, haircuts, etc. Dining out and going to the movies is no longer an option, so you’re saving there also.

However, many of you may not have your jobs any more. My heart goes out to you! If that is the case, you have much bigger things to worry about than “well at least I don’t have to spend money on a haircut.” It is not lost on me that there are much bigger problems. Mortgage, rent, credit card bills, medical bills: none of these things are negotiable. Or are they?

Here’s the thing: many banks and lenders are offering a great deal of leniency to their customers. The absolute worst thing you can do is nothing. Just because you cannot pay your bill on time, it doesn’t mean you can simply ignore it. The best thing you can do is communicate with your bank or credit card company. Grab your last

26 ISSUE #9 bill, fi nd the customer service debt, and saving for an emergency number, and call it. The person fund. This is the emergency who answers the phone wants to you’ve been saving for! help you. Cash fl ow is the focus right now. 8±¾ÈÖ×È ¾±»¾sÈ I recommend calling with a smile Pay the minimum balance on on your face and humility in your your credit card if you can, don’t heart. Explain your situation in put money aside into savings if Your choice for optimal health as simple and straightforward a you need to pay your rent and and wellness through manner as you can and ask, “Is electric bills, prioritize your chiropractic care. there anything you can do to spending. If you have savings and Alleviate symptoms of:¬ help me?” and then wait. Perhaps you need it, now is the time to migraine headaches there is payment assistance, use it! chronic pain dizziness/vertigo or waived late fees. Maybe you Additionally, The CARES Act scoliosis could set up a payment plan. Arm ear infections yourself with the facts and do provides for people who have .... and more been affected by Covid-19 to what you can. Offering Doctor supervised borrow from their qualifi ed weight loss - But be prepared: there is always retirement savings accounts (IRA, start your goals for a chance there is nothing the 401k, etc.) without penalty and the New Year now! customer service agent can do to you have up to three years to pay Call today and receive help you. In that case, say thank it back. There is some fi ne print, complimentary weight loss consult you and ask politely to speak with so before you decide to make or chiropractice screening! their supervisor. Again, explain that particular move, you should êèïíïéðèêð your situation and ask “Is there speak with a tax, accounting, or anything you can do to help me?” fi nance professional. The point is: 331 North St, Unit 102 Saco, ME 04072 If the answer is still no, you have if you have that resource and you www.activechiropractor.com some tough decisions to make need it, now is the time to help find us on FB, Twitter @activechiro1 and you need a plan;it’s time to yourself. weigh your options. To learn more about the CARES First, you need to list the absolute Act, google “CARES Act 2020.” Caring most important fi nancial needs: food and shelter. In the state Things will get back to a “new Counseling of Maine, Governor Janet Mills normal” one day. None of us High quality outpatient knows when that will be and what substance abuse & signed an executive order to mental health treatment prevent evictions for most that will look like. What we do tenants (visit Maine.gov for more know is this: our economy has information). I encourage you to weathered many storms and this Specializing in all addictions learn what assistance you may be storm, too, shall pass. and pairing the client with the eligible for. My heart goes out to all of those counselor who can best help affected by the coronavirus and I Second, it is important to list your Food Addiction Treatment other bills to know where you especially want to acknowledge Substance Abuse Treatment might be able to cut costs. Could the essential workers who put Individual & Family Counseling themselves directly in the line of D.E.E.P. Eval & Treatment you reduce your cable bill? Phone Groups - Men, Women, Recovery, bill? Insurance costs? Where can fi re every day to make our lives Adult Children of Alcoholics/ you cut out costs completely— better: medical professionals, Co-Dependency for example, do you have any public and safety professionals, recurring subscriptions you no and every person who contributes longer use? Think about what to the supply chain. Thank you (207) 774-4564 is most important to you and from the bottom of my heart. your family;it’s easier to make Casey McClurkin, who 142 High Street, Suite 508 PORTLAND decisions if you know your values started her recovery 391 Main Street BIDDEFORD and what is most important. journey in 2012, is a 50 Sandbar Road WINDHAM Behavioral Financial 510 Main Street GORHAM Now is not the time to be worried Advisor. [email protected] about your credit score, reducing www.addictiontreatmentplus.com

ISSUE #9 27 People Like Us Live Like This by Lara Santoro

Courtney Allen Augusta, Maine

ourtney Allen remembers says Courtney, who left her life opens for just an instant.” She the fi rst time she saw the in Rockland for a circus act in checked herself into detox and to Ccolor green. She was 22 Maine’s capital balancing two this day asks herself what would years old, a mother of two, and jobs, a child, and an addiction have happened if there hadn’t just a few months in recovery. to opioids and cocaine. She been a bed for her. “That was my She turned towards one of her got pregnant a second time. moment,” she says. oldest friends and said, “Have the She learned of the existence of trees always been this green?” Suboxone at a needle exchange What followed, Courtney says, and was able to give birth to a was a life fi lled with “privilege Courtney’s color-blindness healthy baby, but the weight of so and luck.” Every time she asked set in at age eleven when her much untreated trauma knocked for help, “there was somebody grandmother died of brain her back into the there to welcome me in.” She had cancer. By then, “generational hole of addiction poverty, substance use, physical within “a door to a new life and sexual abuse” had placed two years. her at the mercy of a mother opens for just an instant” plagued by mental illness and The turning two aunts who shot up regularly point came after a night of lost her children to the state, her in the bathroom. “My family drinking, with foggy memories of life was in shambles, but when did not know anything different a knife fi ght but a clear image of she got to Family Treatment and could teach me nothing blood splattered on the walls of Court, Judge Eric Walker told different,” says Allen. She did her apartment. her to approach the bench. “I’m what she had seen everyone “I didn’t know where my children crying. I’m shaking. I can’t put else do. She dropped out of were and I was terrifi ed,” she two words together. He smiles at s c h o o l a n d b e g a n t o d r i n k . says. She scrambled out of bed me and he says: ‘Tell me about “I became instantly alcoholic,” and ran to her children’s room. your children. This is your chance she remembers. They were playing videogames. to brag them up. I know you want Says Courtney, “I looked into to.’” With alcohol came drugs. With their eyes and I saw the same drugs came correctional facilities, look I gave my family members Courtney told him about Wyatt, psychiatric wards, the experience when I was a child.” how quietly intelligent he was for of homelessness -- at age fi fteen, an eight-year old, how he loved to with a baby. “We heard the In active addictions, Courtney draw. She told him about Aimin, rent was cheaper in Augusta,” believes, “a door to a new life a redhead with all inner fi re of a

28 ISSUE #9 redhead. His third birthday fell precisely on that day, February 28th 2015.

It took just shy of one year, checking in every morning, being open and vulnerable, working a twelve-step YOU DON’T program, facing the feelings she had numbed herself to her entire life, but the day she got her children back, HAVE TO BE A the courtroom was packed to bursting and shook with the applause. She’d woken up that morning BIG BANK early. Her children were already under her roof. Like that morning a year before, there was the sound of TO HAVE A videogames. She’d wrapped Aimin in a bear hug, and said to him, “Today is the day I become your mom.” BIG HEART. That burst of applause in court scattered the seeds of many more. Courtney recently graduated at the top of her class from the University of Maine – Augusta with a degree on the intersection of justice, substance use, and public policy. She spent the spring interning on Capitol Hill in Senator Angus King’s ofﬁ ce and is now the Lead Research Assistant at Colby College for a project on the obstacles to long term recovery faced by women in Maine. Her plans for the future? “I’m heading to Muskie in the fall for a master’s in public policy. I plan to purse my doctoral degree,” she says, “I am going to go from a sixth-grade dropout to Dr. Courtney.”

Lara Santoro is a writer in Portland Maine. sbsavings.bank | (207) 284-4591

ISSUE #9 29 Employer Proﬁ le : Great Falls Marketing by Patricia Mccarthy open to hiring people in recovery into a typical 40-hour workweek. and others who may have spotty “Some people maybe aren’t able reat Falls Marketing has employment records. Because to do a job where they have to one key requirement for of the nature of its business present themselves 9-to-5. Maybe Gjob applicants–that they handling so many credit-card they want to work nights or possess a desire to succeed. transactions, background checks weekends or something different. are done. So an applicant with We have that ﬂ exibility.” “We’re always looking for great a criminal history of fraud, for motivated people,” says Steve example, won’t be hired. But The company, which started in Mondor, vice president of sales Steve says a gap or two on a 1999 and was renamed Great Falls and marketing for the call-center resume is a non-issue. Marketing in 2005, had workers operation based in Auburn. at three centers and a warehouse “Regardless of your background, “A lot of employees come to us until March when COVID-19 if you’ve got the motivation to with gaps for whatever reason. led to transitioning all 400-plus work and can put a smile on And that’s OK. It’s certainly not employees to remote setups. your face, and you’ve got the something that would make you desire to earn and can follow a ineligible. As long as you have With an 8-year-old at home process that we teach, you can do that desire to learn and work, we and a wife who works at a extremely well.” want to talk to you.” healthcare facility, Steve directly understands the many This attitude has helped Great Great Falls tries to accommodate interruptions this new brand of Falls gain a reputation as a a variety of people, including workday creates. “second-chance employer” that’s those not quite ready to plunge

30 ISSUE #9 “It’s going better than we thought it would, but there are “Regardless of your background, challenges,” he says, noting that the goal is to bring people back if you’ve got the motivation to work, on site as soon as it’s feasible. can put a smile on your face, and “If you could work without distractions, it’d be one thing. you’ve got the desire to earn and can But when your kids are home all day and there’s no daycare follow a process that we teach, or summer camps … we as a company have to be really you can do extremely well.” supportive. Our middle- to top- level managers are fantastic. They have an average of seven good chance if you call that toll- But it’s an opportunity where years working at this company. free number, it could ring into you literally sit down, and warm That has really helped for one of our centers in Maine. We leads come right to you. You can transitioning new people.” specialize in selling products to learn so many things, not only people.” sales, but confi dence and really At a time when so many how to overcome rejection, how businesses are struggling just to Great Falls also provides to control a conversation, how stay afl oat, Great Falls is seeing customer service, answering to put the best foot forward to robust sales and continues to questions, explaining returns, maximize your results. People hire. “We’re very fortunate. We handling email correspondence skills, communication skills, survived Y2K, we survived the for some clients. A Brand interpersonal skills – and how to recession of 2008 and everything Ambassador outbound division listen. The skills you learn here else. We continue to be extremely involves calling customers to can translate to really any type of busy,” Steve says. “I deal with check on their satisfaction and industry.” business development and client thank them for purchasing, in relations so I’m always talking hopes of developing relationships Steve attributes the company’s about what’s happening in the that lead to more sales. And the success to building good industry. Right now, people aren’t company also has a growing relationships. going to retail, so they’re looking fulfi llment house in Saco where it ships products out. “We’re well-recognized as one to purchase stuff either through of the best in the business in a telemarketer or online. And it’s Most employees come to Great the country, and we have clients happening across the board with Falls without sales education from all over the world that use all of our clients.” and get extensive training. They us. It’s a little hidden gem here in Easily recognizable products learn through role-playing, Maine.” Great Falls sells include still- feedback on calls (“Hey, here’s popular Time Life DVDs and where you might have said this Patricia McCarthy is CDs (think Johnny Carson and it would have changed the a writer, editor and and Dean Martin roasts!) and way that call went”) and positive photographer from Cape Elizabeth. Ancient Nutrition. It sells a reinforcement. lot of health and wellness and “It’s not easy. It’s not for CBD products, beauty devices, everybody,” Steve acknowledges. exercise equipment, home goods, “Sometimes you have to have everyday household items. tough skin to work in this Steve, who has worked for the business.” But for employees company 11 years, says most looking for a fresh start, and people have only a vague sense to succeed, it can be a great of what goes on at Great Falls. He opportunity. offers a snapshot: “You can make really good “Our specialty is inbound sales. money,” he says. “Our top agents So info-mercials you might see are making $25 to $30 an hour on TV–‘Call now to order this, every single week. Our average call now to order that’ – there’s a agents are probably closer to $18.

ISSUE #9 31 Meaningful conversations Take them to the next level through listening by Sarah Kelly

ne of the most beautiful pieces of recovery is the sharing of stories—the Oconnection that happens between two people or a group of people. There is a bond and mutual respect that occurs based on witnessing another person share their most painful times and how they healed.

Meaningful conversations take effort. The ﬁ rst step toward a deeper connection and conversation is to listen. We live in a world that doesn’t always listen, and this permeates into our lives in recovery. We are inundated with technology on a daily basis. Our brains have adapted to multi-tasking, and our attention span has shortened. If we are distracted by the phone in our hands or trying to think of a response before the person has even ﬁ nished speaking, then we are guilty of not really listening or being present.

Active listening is a skill used often by coaches and counselors to build relationships, but you don’t need to be a professional to use this skill. Using active listening in your own recovery journey will deepen your relationships, build trust, allow you to feel more empathy, help you practice mindfulness, and learn to be more present. When you actively listen, you also create a safe place for vulnerability to exist. In turn, the trust that develops allows your own voice to be heard in a more expansive way. 32 ISSUE #9 Here are some tips for Having someone listen to them developing your practice of sharing their truth could be active listening and meaningful the only thing that person conversation: needs. Ask for permission before responding with your Accredited by the Joint Commission Put down distractions: Turn own personal story or offering on Healthcare Organizations off your phone notifi cations advice. and set it aside. If you’re Helping People Regain somewhere that is noisy or Ask open ended questions: Control of Their Lives offers distractions, face yourself Instead of giving advice, ask Since 1976 towards the person in a way that questions. Support their process won’t tempt you to look around. by helping them work through Do you find yourself dependent their own answers rather on pain medication, heroin or Body language: There’s a than immediately offering reason the saying “poker face” advice. Curiosity also shows fentanyl? exists, our bodies and facial interest that you want to learn expressions tell a story! It’s more about the person or the Are you looking to stop the important to notice your own situation. body language. Sit or stand in daily use? a way that is open, make eye It’s okay to want to be heard too: Active listening isn’t about contact, nod in affi rmation. We can help start your not having a voice, it’s about Listen to listen, not to allowing someone the space journey to recovery! respond: How often are you to use their voice before you already thinking of what you jump in.. In any meaningful We provide respectful, effective, want to say next before the conversation, there is the science-based, low cost & person has even fi nished their opportunity for everyone to confidential treatment of opioid thought? We all do this because share their own stories, insight we’ve learned that responding or struggles. Wait for the time dependence is what you’re supposed to do in the conversation when it in a conversation, but how do is appropriate to offer your Services: we respond if we haven’t really thoughts or before you switch Methadone maintenance heard? As your mind begins to gears to talk about something treatment drift, bring it back to the words going on in your life. that the person in front of you Individual & Group is saying. As with meditation, Just like any new skill, active Counseling Services you can’t always help it if your listening and meaningful Case Management brain drifts, however you can conversation takes practice. It’s Crisis Intervention acknowledge your thought and okay to not do this perfectly come back to the present. right away or all of the time. Hepatitis C and HIV You can continue to develop Education, Referral and Affi rmation: Simple ways to the skill and see how it benefi ts Liaison with Healthcare affi rm what you heard include you and your relationships. Providers a simple nodding of the head Try it out! or making an affi rmative noise TB testing such as “mhmm.” Another EKG referral is provided way is by refl ecting back to the Sarah Kelly, owner of DEEP services for CAP person by restating what you Sarah Kelly Coaching, patients heard them say, then giving the is a National Board Accepting: time for them to confi rm if this Certifi ed Health & was accurate. Wellness Coach (NBC- HWC) and Connecticut Ask permission to respond Community for or offer advice: Sometimes it’s Addiction Recovery (CCAR) Certifi ed Recovery Coach. Sarah is an active just about getting something member of the recovery community. off their chest; the person (207) 856-7227 isn’t looking for advice or for One Delta Drive, Westbrook someone to fi x the situation. www.capqualitycare.com

ISSUE #9 33 From left, Lisa Sweet, workforce development specialist; Sarah Hutchins, administrative specialist in the Southern Region, and Gigi Guyton, regional manager and microbusiness specialist for New Ventures Maine. Wondering what’s next? New Ventures Maine helps point people in the right direction by Patricia McCarthy

hree years into her recovery variety of free services to Mainers New Ventures Maine workforce from substance abuse, around the state. development specialist for TRoseanne St. George of Cumberland and York counties South Portland knew it was time “I got so much out of New for three years. Besides teaching to get her fi nances on track, too. Ventures,” says Roseanne, 51, courses that range from cleaning While fi guring out how to do who went through the program up poor credit to writing a that, she found an organization in 2018. “It basically teaches you spending plan, she helps people online that wound up improving everything about money. I set fi nd jobs, fi gure out career moves, her life forever. up a budget and slowly started create resumes, hone interview chipping away at my credit skills and more. Roseanne enrolled in a fi ve- reports. It took a lot of work to week program called My Money clear it all up, but I did it, and it “I love the work that I do, and Works at New Ventures Maine, feels amazing.” doing this work with different a program of the University of populations,” says Lisa, one of Maine at Augusta that offers a Roseanne gives much credit 20 employees at the organization to instructor Lisa Sweet, the 34 ISSUE #9 that started 41 years ago to help so they can displaced homemakers with receive the “We specialize in helping everything from managing match funds, money to starting a business. but also so we people who are in transition, Funded through the state, grants can continue to and donations, New Ventures help them.” whatever that looks like” Maine has evolved into a New Ventures multifaceted organization. to online Zoom classes Maine puts a lot of focus on and phone calls because “We specialize in helping people smart money planning and of COVID-19. That’s been who are in transition, whatever budgeting, not just saving manageable, she says, as most that looks like,” says Gigi money. students have been able to Guyton, a regional manager and participate these ways, even if microbusiness specialist who has “One thing we talk about a lot only listening in via phone. But worked for New Ventures for 12 is what do you need versus what it’s been logistically challenging years. “We target people who are do you want – and what did coordinating to continue low income or in marginalized that look like before and what services for incarcerated people populations. So that includes does that look like now,” Lisa and communicating with people who are incarcerated. The explains. “We get at the root of immigrants who much prefer past few years, we’ve really done why folks interact with money in-person dealings. And Totally a lot with the Southern Maine the way they do. And then we Trades, which features hands-on Re-entry Center for women and offer some tools to change that training, is being rethought and the Maine Correctional Center, thinking if you want to change is on hold for now. both in Windham. We’re fi nding that thinking.” that a large majority of the folks This was a big takeaway for “We’ve been able to piece it who are incarcerated are in Roseanne, a former convenience together and do the best we recovery or trying to be.” store manager on disability for can,” Gigi says. “We just have to be very nimble.” Gigi explains that education to chronic back problems who says that lesson makes sticking to a provide fi rmer fi nancial footing Lisa adds that New Ventures budget much easier. is crucial for people leaving Maine employees defi nitely prison “so they won’t go back to “Do I really need coffee at a have many more questions to their old ways … and can have store, or can I go home and make address – and fi nd answers some little nest egg as they’re it? I look at things like that now, to – because of the pandemic being released.” Inmates on and I’m able to save money,” she limits. Questions run the gamut: work release who successfully says. “It’s such a relief to have What do I need to qualify complete a 15-hour New savings in case the car breaks for unemployment? How do Ventures Maine fi nancial class down or whatever.” I plan for the summer with can have their savings matched children and working? Is it the upon release. The nonprofi t Among other things, New right time to look for a job? offers a variety Ventures Maine also helps of incentive matching programs to administer the statewide like this. Family Development Account program for low-income people Lisa says working with women with minor children; manages who are about to resume life the statewide CA$H coalitions outside of prison is the most that offer free tax-prep; runs rewarding part of her job. “They a Totally Trades program that have some really good success lets middle and high school stories,” she says. “When they’re students explore trades careers; nearing release, the conversation and teaches business startup shifts to, OK, what’s your plan? programs. Gigi teaches a popular Where are you going? What’s 12-week Venturing Forth class – your support system like? Will for soup-to-nuts business you be working? Those types planning. of things. We build trust and relationships so that hopefully Courses and one-on-one they do call us when they release communications have switched Roseanne St. George

ISSUE #9 35 Should I sign up for the Payroll Protection Program? Can you talk me through reopening my business? Fortunately, Gigi notes, License to Live the organization has a healthy A profound resolution for grieving network of partnerships to connect people to. Combining traditional psychotherapy No day at New Ventures Maine looks the same, which presents with Energy Healing Work challenges – and opportunities. to help you transcend the grief Both Gigi and Lisa light up when asked what they love about their that is holding you back work, and Gigi sums up: "DDFMFSBUFE $PVOTFMJOHEFMJWFSTIFBMJOHXJUI “Oh, my gosh,” she says. “It’s so, 4XJGUBOEFGGFDUJWFGPDVT so rewarding when people you’re (FOUMFBOESFTQFDUGVMBQQSPBDI working with get it, whatever it is 6TJOHPOFPSTFWFSBMUFDIOJRVFTBTOFFEFE you’re teaching them – when they CBTFEPOFBDIJOEJWJEVBMTOFFET move through whatever barriers &.%3 were in their way.” 3&*,* &'5 Patricia McCarthy is Svetla Popova, LCPC, NCC, Reiki Master a writer, editor and photographer from Cape Elizabeth. 203 Anderson Street Portland, ME 04101 (207) 761-3883

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36 ISSUE #9 Finding Recovery “In the Rooms”

ecovery meetings happen site grew rapidly from word of all over the world in the mouth alone, much like the Rrooms of church basements, growth of in person self help recovery centers, hospitals, jails groups. and prisons, recovery clubs and the homes of those in recovery. In The Rooms believes in all People have gathered in self-help paths of recovery and hosts groups for more than 85 years meetings in everything from and over time, many different Alcoholics Anonymous, types of 12 step and non 12-step Narcotics Anonymous, groups have formed. For many and other specialty 12- people, this is a primary tool in step recovery programs, the process of recovery, but for food recovery programs, others, in-person meetings can dual-diagnosis meetings, be diffi cult to attend or are not a codependency groups, as safe option. well as a variety of blogs and articles. In the 12 years since In places like Aroostook county its inception, the site has and other rural areas here grown to over 130 live video Ken Pomerance and Ron Tannebaum, in Maine, meetings are hard meetings every week and founders of intherooms.com to get to for those without has over 600,000 members transportation and where public worldwide. that there are many ways to transportation is not an option. recover and has gathered all In The Rooms has more than just Transportation isn’t always the of the options into one easy meetings, with a variety of ways thing stopping someone from location. The co-founders say to connect to recovery resources attending a meeting ,as fear and they have received emails from and other people in recovery: anxiety can be a determining people who have never gone blogs, articles, meeting fi nders, force in a person’s ability to to a face to face meeting who daily meditations, podcasts, go to a public meeting as they have gotten and stayed sober speaker tapes, events calendars, may need to keep their recovery although their intent for the site message boards and more. secret. is as a supplement to in person meetings. In The Rooms has been Sickness, physical immobility, A whole section called “Getting giving the gift of recovery to over and hospitalizations were other Started in Recovery” has 2 half a million people, each in factors that Ken Pomerance and guides dedicated to those in early their own rooms. Ron Tannebaum, two men in recovery or for anyone curious long term recovery, considered about recovery. The fi rst guide is for those seeking recovery and Niki Curtis of Portland when they co-founded, created is a woman in long- contains a lot of information on and tested the online recovery term recovery whose website called In The Rooms. alcohol detoxifi cation and what passion is helping and to expect in the fi rst week and teaching others to love They understood the need for month of alcohol recovery. The themselves. anonymity that many groups second guide is for friends, family required, and created a platform and allies. where anyone could join an online meeting from the safety of In The Rooms has made support their own home, their hotel room in recovery easy to access and or even their hospital bed. The private. The site has embraced

ISSUE #9 37 No Strangers In the midst of strange times, we can maintain and even enrich our relation to each other by Kimble Greene, PhD

he other day, during a hard reset. Change is challenging We are being asked to re-evaluate virtual gathering, we were for many people in regular our lives, our perspectives, and Tdiscussing the challenges of circumstances. In a situation our choices. Additionally, mother staying connected in these strange like this, change can truly be a earth is receiving a much-needed times. My friend Jody exclaimed, struggle. The ongoing changes in respite from the overabundance of “We may be living in strange our lives and the world are made human activity. times, but we are not strangers!” even more daunting because no So poignant and a good reminder one really knows when the current The scope of change taking place of the importance of maintaining situation will end, what’s going to globally isn’t so different from if not enriching our connections happen when it does and how life individual change. When you with loved ones and people will look on the other side. think about it, transformation in around the globe. Another people’s lives often comes on the common utterance I hear often There’s more to the story, heels of some sort of life altering, these days is, “I want things to however. What’s taking place in frequently traumatic event. go back to normal.” As hard as it the world is an important catalyst Things like accidents, disasters, may be to accept, that’s not likely for signiﬁ cant change, both for abuse, transition, recovery, loss, to happen. We’re in the midst of a the planet and its inhabitants. illness, and so on. Being launched

38 ISSUE #9 into a new way of life happens to people all the time. It’s just that right now it’s happening globally, to everyone all at once. Humans Are Unique. As hard as it is—and it’s really hard in many ways for lots of people—we are in a period of transformation. The potential Our energy-based treatment method for and promise of new growth is customized for that uniqueness. and rebirth is palpable. If we embrace that promise, we will come out of this temporary period of heightened vigilance The treatment breaks the addiction cycleݎ with new perspectives, renewed without medication, hypnosis, or needles. energy, as well as personal and global alterations, enhancing the quality of our lives along with the planet.

While there’s lots of discussion about crisis and disaster, it’s much more crucial that we focus on how we choose to inﬂ uence the outcome and how we decide to respond individually, within ourselves and toward others. Change and growth are constant…we’re evolving!

As we settle into new ways of living and working, we must also create new ways of loving Fill out the contact form on our website and connecting. Relating—to ourselves, one another and the for a FREE Consultation. planet—is the lifeblood of our existence. While the ways we connect are shifting, they’re not (207) 653-9221 going away; they mustn’t go away.

We are necessary to one another, The Weiss Method can help with: for surviving and thriving. So, seek out and create new ways of sugar drugs connecting to and embracing— yourself, one another, and the nicotine unwanted behaviors world. alcohol weight management

Kimble Greene PhD, Founder and Chief Catalyst at Catalyst Enterprises Worldwide, LLC is an author, master coach, and developer of The Monarch 1321 Washington Ave Suite 310 Portland Method™ for personal transformation. www.drkimblegreene.com. www.weissmethodusa.com

ISSUE #9 39 Letting go of holding on Grief and Recovery during the Covid 19 pandemic by Sarah Siegel

he COVID pandemic has compounded because of the so many since she ﬁ rst published resulted in a great deal added losses of employment, it in 1969. Tof loss worldwide and childcare, personal space, and as a result, many people are the general loss of the life we had Originally published in her experiencing grief as a result. before the world was changed by groundbreaking book, On Death People in recovery from addiction the virus. Knowing that we are and Dying, in 1969, The Five are familiar with the grieving not alone, and that others are Stages of Grief™ are: Denial, process, because healing often experiencing these feelings too Anger, Bargaining, Depression, asks us to let go of A LOT. After can help us feel more comfortable and Acceptance. It is important all, we must release the way with reaching out for support. to note that these stages— things were, to move towards We truly are stronger together, which also apply to coping with something new. Even though there are lots of people who want grief unrelated to death—are the process of letting go is to help and none of us needs not necessarily linear and not natural and normal, it can feel to navigate these times, or any everyone goes through every overwhelming, confusing, and times, alone. stage. The model shows that it is scary. As the world changes normal to experience these (and because of the virus, The Five Elizabeth Küubler-Ross, who other) feelings after a loss. After Stages of Grief™ model can help was a Swiss psychiatrist, all, feeling an array of different us understand our feelings about created a ﬁ ve-stage model emotions is not a bad thing, it is loss without trying to resist or for understanding grief after part of what makes us human. escape them by using dangerous observing the process many However, for people in recovery substances or behaviors. people went through at the end of life or when dealing with the from addiction, grief can feel If we were grieving before the loss of a loved one. Her research extraordinarily overwhelming. pandemic, it may now feel and model have been helpful to We have relied on substances or behaviors to numb ourselves

40 ISSUE #9 Knowing that we are not alone, and that others are experiencing these feelings too can help us feel more comfortable with reaching out for support.

in the past and it can be hard to for granted. This is especially need to wait for the virus to go learn how to “‘feel”’ again. We true now, when so many all over away, or for things to go back to may be afraid that if we allow the world are adjusting to this “normal.” Instead, we can choose ourselves to feel things, we will strange, new normal way of life to seek healing and recovery here become overwhelmed and have a during the coronavirus pandemic. and now and we do not need to setback. We can use this time to cultivate do it alone. We never need to do gratitude for everything we still it alone. The good news is that feelings are have and compassion for all those constantly ﬂ owing through us, who are struggling, including always changing, and no single Sarah Siegel is a ourselves. We can use this time recovery coach at feeling lasts forever. If we can to reassess our priorities and Crossroads as part learn to take care of ourselves become more intentional in how of an innovative during times of emotional we live. We can ask ourselves, project with intensity, we do not need to be “what really matters in my life?” Portland Recovery afraid of having setbacks when and “how can I focus more on Community Center. She has been in we “‘feel”’ in a big way. Instead, what really matters to me?” We big emotions can remind us recovery from can ﬁ nd ways to be of service opioid use disorder and substance use that we need to lean into our to others and to stay connected disorder since 2007 and from working support system more and pick emotionally even if we are distant the sex industry since 2003. Today up some of the tools in our physically. Above all, we can heal, she is a mother, interfaith minister, toolbox. The more we learn to and we can recover. We do not meditation coach and writer. cope with feelings that once were overwhelming, the more trust we will have in our ability to heal.

In her 1975 book, Death: The Link Stevens LCSW, LADC Final Stage of Growth, Elizabeth Küubler- Ross writes: says “The Wellness & Recovery Counselor most beautiful people we have Substance Abuse Treatment - known are those who have Counseling - Assessments known defeat, known suffering, DEEP Certified known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of (207) 749-4930 Office (207) 221-1964 Fax the depths. These persons have 142 High Street, Suite 409 Portland Maine 04101 an appreciation, a sensitivity, [email protected] and an understanding of life that ﬁ lls them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not AddictionMedicinePlus.com just happen.”

Ultimately, she maintains, M.C. Hothem, D.O., P.A. even loss can contribute to our 222 Auburn Street, Suite 101 personal growth. Sometimes, the Portland, ME 04103 hardest experiences in life can (207) 797-4148 fax: (207) 797-5730 be gifts in disguise, as they allow us to get clear about what really matters and to appreciate people Always count your blessings! and things we may have taken

ISSUE #9 41 MANY PATHS

About this column

We are fortunate to live during a time when there are many options for ﬁ nding and sustaining lasting recovery from addiction. We are all individuals and while there are many aspects of our personal journeys that may be similar to those of others, we are each called to discover for ourselves what works and what doesn’t work for us. Journey’s Many Paths column provides options and shines a light on different approaches that people use to maintain lasting recovery without endorsing speciﬁ c approaches or recovery programs. We ultimately leave it up to you, the reader, to decide what works best for you, while presenting you with multiple pathways to recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) The Family Restored Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 207-774-4335/800-737-6237 The Family Restored is an A support program for people www.cso.aamaine.org interactive and educational in recovery from drug addiction support group for families coping based on the 12 steps of AA Al-Anon /Alateen with a loved one’s addiction. www.namaine.org www.al-anon.org Family members have the 818-773-9999/ 207-284-1844 / 800-498-1844 opportunity to ask questions, 800-974-0062 discuss their concerns, and build Adult Children of Alcoholics community with other families in a Overeaters Anonymous (OA) (ACOA or ACA) supportive and non-judgmental A fellowship of individuals who, A 12-step, 12-tradition program for environment. through shared experience, men and women who grew up in strength and hope, are dysfunctional homes Gambler’s Anonymous (GA) recovering from compulsive 207-322-6284 718-352-1671 / 888-830-2271 overeating www.adultchildren.org http://newenglandga.com Dial 211 for meeting info. http://oamaine.org Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Heroin Anonymous (HA) 617-539-6090 / 800-347-8998 A fellowship of heroin addicts Sex and Love Addicts (meeting info only) who help each other practice Anonymous (SLAA) www.ca.org complete abstinence from drugs A program of recovery for people and alcohol addicted to sex and love, based Codependents Anonymous - 347-858-3601 on the 12 steps of AA CoDA www.heroinanonymous.org 207-323-5143 / 800-204-2803 602-277-7991 / 888-444-2359 www.slaafws.org www.coda.org H.O.P.E. Group A safe place where people SMART Recovery Debtors Anonymous (DA) come together to ﬁ nd wellness Mutual-support meetings that Debtors Anonymous off ers by sharing their stories and are free and open to anyone hope for people whose use of listening with an open heart seeking science-based, self- unsecured debt causes problems and mind to others empowered addiction recovery and suff ering. 800-421-2383 / 727-420-2964 (Liz) 440-951-5337 800-974-0062 www.hopehealing.org www.smartrecovery.org https://debtorsanonymous.org/ Marijuana Anonymous (MA) Wellbriety Movement Drug Addicts Anonymous (DAA) A fellowship of people who share (White Bison) A fellowship of men and women their experience, strength and A sustainable grassroots who have recovered from hope to recover from marijuana movement that provides addiction and are committed addiction culturally based healing for to helping those who still suff er, 609-529-6332 / 800-766-6779 indigenous people based on the 12 steps www.marijuana-anonymous.org 207-992-0411 / 877-871-1495 970-761-5189 https://wellbriety.com www.daausa.org

42 ISSUE #9 ISSUE #9 43 Always on hand Ask your doctor or therapist about reSET® or reSET-O®