Recovery Works

Many people get sober for periods of time — days, weeks, months, and years. Most people drink or drug again, going through the cycle of relapse, detox, recovery, relapse, their entire lives. Some people just quit on their own — I say bully for them — others go to rehab (sometimes repeatedly), some use private therapy, and some use a twelve step program — AA.

The percentage of people who stop and stay stopped without relapsing or “slipping” even once is miniscule. That’s ok. We’re human. What I like about a twelve step program like AA is that it is about staying sober. Bill Wilson was already sober when he reached out to Dr. Bob one day in Akron. Then they founded AA. People with the same problem helping each other, is how sobriety works.

I’m not a huge fan of the rehab system. I was in one for twenty-eight uncomfortable days, and stayed sober for just five more after that. I wasn’t ready, but I did learn that some people enjoyed happy lives when sober through AA. When I was sick and tired of being tired and sick, AA is where I went. It beat returning to a psych ward or another rehab… yyuuck!

You can talk about sobriety till you’re blue in the face (and some people do), but what action are you going to take to stay sober and be happy. That’s right — action, not talk.

Recovery Works is all about action. Physical work, time-consuming work that teaches people new in sobriety how to live in this big bad world. When I got sober at age 37 I had no idea how to do it. I see plenty of much younger men and women who don’t have a clue either. That’s why they need the help that our rehab system doesn’t give them.

Recovery Works is a not-for-profit organization that provides jobs and life skills to people in early recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Part of the problem in early recovery is so many addicts are embroiled in the red tape of bureaucracy that comes from the consequences of their alcoholism and drug use. Drug Courts, rehab after care, probation, and the Dept. of Social Services all require commitments during the work week that actually prohibit people from holding a steady job. These classes and appointments with counselors often go on for months. More often, the people attending them have no intention of staying sober.

Many recovering addicts don’t have the ability to manage their idle time. Without a job to occupy the time previously used to drink and drug, it’s hard for the addict to maintain the hope and will that his or her life will improve-even with twelve step support.

I envision Recovery Works as an organization run by people in Recovery that would provide meaningful, satisfying jobs in construction, catering, cleaning services, to name just a few occupations, and also help recovering addicts learn basic life skills that many have never acquired. How do I manage money now that I’m not wasting it on alcohol and drugs? Deal with a bank or pay my taxes. How do I find affordable housing (especially single mothers), and move off of welfare? What about food and nutrition?

Recovery Works can provide answers and support from other members of the community who have been through the same trials. Meaningful jobs would be created for both the mentor and the the recovering alcoholic/addict.

I have seen it work on a limited basis through my own painting business over the last fifteen years. Young men and women in recovery have worked for me and moved on to attend college, build families, and get jobs in the job market that suits their talents. Remember, recovering people are statistically proving to be more reliable, efficient workers.

Staying sober is tough — tougher than anybody who hasn’t been though it knows. It takes more than talk though. It takes action. Good sobriety is about learning how to live in this world without drugs and alcohol. Recovery Works can be that missing link between early sobriety and a new, fulfilling life. Let’s make it work.

Thomas H. Mann writes about recovery, sports, and American culture.

Recovery Works

Introducing Recovery Works!

Recovery Works is a not-for-profit based in Ithaca, NY, that provides employment opporunities and life skills for people in early recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Mor information coming soon.