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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
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Recovery from Trauma: Judith Herman

‘The core experiences of psychological trauma are disempowerment and disconnection from others. Recovery, therefore, is based upon the empowerment of the survivor and the creation of new connections. Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.'
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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
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Paul’s Recovery Story: ‘Doctor Knows Best’

This was probably the first time that I realised that my addiction wasn’t about a particular substance, but was about my way of thinking or perception of reality. The substance was in fact my solution to my inability to live at peace with myself. Coming to accept that I, rather than...
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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
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Inspired & Disillusioned: James Deakin

James is totally inspired by attending the Recovery Academy in Glasgow in 2010. He listens to David Best talking about addiction recovery, and Mark Gilman describing Asset-Based Community Development approach (ABCD). The latter approach is a primary foundation of the North Wales Recovery Communities...
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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
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Development of a Drinking Problem

One of David McCartney's parents had a drinking problem and this led to a lot of uncertainties and unpredictabilities in the family, which in turn resulted in young David developing anxiety and fearful states. Rather than ask for help, he internalised everything. When he was working as an an inner city GP, David became overwhelmed and...
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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
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It’s Not Just About the Drug

Many of society’s reactions to the so-called ‘drug problem’ are based on the premise that the problems faced by individuals and communities are caused solely by the drug. However, contrary to what is commonly assumed, psychoactive drugs do not produce fixed and predictable psychological effects that are dependent purely on...
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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
Categories

Transgenerational Trauma

Transgenerational, sometimes called intergenerational or historical, trauma amongst Indigenous peoples is the trauma that has arisen as a result of the historical experiences of colonisation (and associated violence and control), forcible removal of children, and loss of culture. As it was not addressed at the time, this trauma (and associated grief) have been passed down unwittingly through the generations by peoples’ behaviours and...
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9th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 9th September 2023
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Introducing Huseyin Djemil

Huseyin Djemil, Founder of Towards Recovery, talks about the development of this recovery community, describes some of his work as a freelance consultant in the addiction field, and reflects on various themes related to addiction recovery and treatment. He is in long-term recovery from an addiction to Class A drugs.
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 8th September 2023
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12 Principles of Indigenous Healing

Many Indigenous people have healed from trauma and its consequences, showing the necessary coping mechanisms, skills and knowledge, to rise above adversity. Their personal narratives are of considerable value, since they inspire other people and help them understand how they too can overcome their problems.
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 8th September 2023
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Simon’s Recovery Story: ‘Gratitude For the Life I Thought Was Over…’

The results of that first meeting, and the effect on my life, were immense. I’m certain that there is a small element of hope—or faith or some kind of spiritual flame—that burns inside us all. I believe it’s never completely extinguished, but can become so dim that it’s almost invisible to us.
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark & Wulf Livingston Posted: 8th September 2023
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Welcome

The Recovery Voices project was developed in order to capture conversations about what works in supporting recovery from addiction, and in the development of peer-led recovery communities, from a range of individuals with lived experience, as well as friends of recovery. We highlight common messages and learning that comes...
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 8th September 2023
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Addiction and Psychological Pain: Gabor Maté

'It is critical to understand that although addiction is a problem it is also an attempt to solve a graver problem that is, unbearable psychic pain. To understand addiction we need to understand human pain and that takes us to focus on childhood experiences. One of the outcomes...'
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 8th September 2023
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Dealing, Addiction & Torture: James Deakin

James can’t sell his supply of the drug, for which he has not paid. Realising he is in serious trouble, he does a bunk to Bangor in North Wales. However, the dealers track him down and bundle him into the boot of a car. He is shipped back to Manchester and tortured over a period of days.
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 8th September 2023
Categories

Factors That Facilitate Recovery

Wendy Dossett and Wulf Livingston discuss various factors at an individual, system and societal level that help people recover from addiction. These factors include the power of community; having an environment where choices are available, as well as signposting, communication and collaboration; and an environment...
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8th September 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 8th September 2023
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Addiction, Recovery, and Treatment: An Introduction

Treatment can facilitate the initiation of recovery, but is not in a person’s life long enough to produce long-term recovery. The initial ‘gains’ facilitated by treatment in the early stages of recovery are built upon by the person’s interactions in their social environment and facilitated...
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23rd August 2023
Author: David Clark Posted: 23rd August 2023
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How It All Began

Marcus Fair spent 25 years battling an addiction to heroin and crack cocaine, and long periods of homelessness and being in prison, before finding long-term recovery and founding Eternal Media in 2015. His primary goal in setting up this charity and social enterprise was to help other people in their recovery journey.
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