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For a period of four years from 15th November 2004, I wrote a bi-weekly series of Background Briefings for Drink and Drugs News (DDN), the leading UK magazine focused on drug and alcohol treatment. Here are links to 38 of 72 Briefings; each contains a link to an original pdf. I have great memories interacting with Claire Brown of DDN.

'I was standing in the queue with my whisky bottle in the basket when I became aware of someone standing behind me, and I turned to look and it was the sister of the man who had been in to see me [about his drinking problem] that afternoon.' Dr. David McCartney

'As reflected in our conversation, it becomes rapidly clear that Wendy has so much to offer to, and insight on, the process of recovery. She is honest and thoughtful in reflections on her own recovery journey. Rich and insightful in her understanding of the 12-Step Fellowship and particularly the role that spirituality plays in recovery.'

I first met Huseyin Djemil, Founder of Towards Recovery, in 2006/7 at a recovery group meeting run by Kathy Gyngell at the Centre for Policy Studies. I was very impressed by him and what he had to say. At the time, Huseyin was London Area Drug Strategy Coordinator for HM Prison Services. I had no idea at first that he was...

Recognition of, and respect for, the Human Rights of Indigenous peoples is fundamental to improving their health and wellbeing. Society must ensure that Indigenous peoples have full and effective participation in decisions that directly or indirectly affect their lives.

Contrary to what I said at the beginning of my last blog post, that was not to be the last blog post of the year on Recovery Voices. I decided today that I should do what I have done on my two other main websites Recovery Stories and The Carrolup Story, that is post titles, summaries and links to the most viewed posts...

I just wanted to let you know that this will be the last post for 2023. Wulf and I wanted to take this opportunity of wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas. We hope that you and yours have an enjoyable and restful holiday period. We'd also like to wish you the very best for 2024.  

‘… you are dealing with a group of people who are experiencing for the first-time emotions and experiences without, in a sense, an aesthetic and without entrenched coping skills. If a client disappoints you, then you need to look at your own expectations, and your understanding...’

'Noreen's unwavering commitment to her cause was truly remarkable. She fearlessly challenged politicians, tirelessly pushing for reform and improvement in every corner possible. In 1998, she established the BAC with just two rooms in Burton-on-Trent and a mission to make...'

Tim Leighton introduced Bill by describing his enormous contribution to the field. The latter gave an awesome two-part presentation in the morning on ‘Recovery Advocacy, Recovery Management and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care.’ After my presentation, ‘The Importance of Community in Facilitating Recovery’ in the first part...

'When I read a blog, it was like the spirit of that person was with me for the rest of the day. I would sometimes print out the blog or story and carry it around me in my back pocket, so that it would give me help and support during the day. And I knew I could always go back to Wired In To Recovery and find more blogs and Stories.'

When we were developing Wired In To Recovery, we rationalised that by providing people with the opportunity for people to blog, we would accumulate a wealth of information about the lived experience of addiction and recovery, the needs of recovering people, personal views about the care system, etc. And so we did.

'We don’t change our minds because a bunch of scientists publish a set of recommendations and issue them.... Human beings are storytelling creatures, that’s how we best learn, that’s how we best communicate. So when the storytellers in our society tell their stories, they end up...’

I've added 24 posts to our Recovery Voices this month, which means that the website now has over 220 pages. It's been a quieter time in relation to viewer numbers this month compared to last, but this is no surprise as I've had little time to publicise the website due to my spending lots of time with my son Sam who was visiting from the UK.

'All that he had been gifted, he gave to others. Those whom he saved; the colleagues he worked with; and the people who loved him will never forget his humility and self-sacrifice. That is how he will be remembered; not for the things he did for himself but for what he did for...'