“I never trust a man who doesn't drink.” – John Wayne People do not trust people who moderate or abstain from substances, particularly alcohol. There is a sense that those of us who do so are looking at everyone else and judging them. I suppose some do, but I don’t think most of us do. … Continue reading 2023’s #1 Post: Portraying Abstinence Recovery as Puritanical Is in the Interest of Those Who Sell Addictive Drugs
Author: billstaufferpa
William Stauffer is the Director of Pennsylvania Recovery Organization Alliance (PRO-A). In recovery for well over 3 decades, he is a nationally recognized trainer and writer addiction and recovery. He has testified to the US Senate Special Committee on Aging and in 2019, he organized a hearing with the PA House Human Services Committee to expand opportunities for young people. He is a past co-chair of the public policy committee for Faces & Voices of Recovery and the 2019 recipient of the Vernon Johnson Award Individual Recovery Advocate of the year. He teaches Social Work at Misericordia University. He was recently named to the Leadership Council of Foundations for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) a national think / do tank where he serves alongside some of the most respected leaders in the SUD service system. In December 2022, Mr. Stauffer was invited to serve Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro & Lieutenant Gov-Elect Austin Davis on the state Human Services transition team.
2023’s #6 Post: It Is Time We Seize the Opportunity to Address SUD Stigma in the U.S. Healthcare System
Across our nation, far too often patients are treated rudely or provided inferior care when their healthcare provider learns that they use drugs, have a history of using drugs or are in recovery. Stigma is often the primary barrier for people seeking help. To shift these negative perceptions and improve care within our healthcare systems, … Continue reading 2023’s #6 Post: It Is Time We Seize the Opportunity to Address SUD Stigma in the U.S. Healthcare System
2023’s #7 Post: Effective Drug Policy Must Look Beyond Life Preservers!
An oft quoted observation by Desmond Tutu: “there comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” We seem to be stumbling on even the first measure, pulling people out of the river. We simply toss in … Continue reading 2023’s #7 Post: Effective Drug Policy Must Look Beyond Life Preservers!
2023’s #10 Post: Cerebral Hypoxia & the “Opioid Epidemic” – An Elephant in the Room
Addiction is a vexing challenge in our society. One it is prudent to look at what is not being spoken about, perhaps with as much or more focus than what is getting attention. Where are the proverbial elephants in the room? Cerebral Hypoxia and related brain injury associated with overdoses is one of those elephants … Continue reading 2023’s #10 Post: Cerebral Hypoxia & the “Opioid Epidemic” – An Elephant in the Room
Recovery is __________ Scope of Practice Podcast with the Connecticut Certification Board
Recently, I did a podcast with Jeffrey Quamme of the Connecticut Certification Board on the piece below and why we need to stop saying recovery from addiction is Possible or Expected in America. The piece that was posted here on Recovery Review on October 12, 2023 and is clipped below. It was a great discussion … Continue reading Recovery is __________ Scope of Practice Podcast with the Connecticut Certification Board
Establishing a Recovery Community Bedrock of Mutual Interest to Build a Future On
"The beauty and the tragedy of the modern world is that it eliminates many situations that require people to demonstrate a commitment to the collective good.” ― Sebastian Junger, Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Structures of healing and circles of recovery support have long been built on shifting sands, necessitating deep foundations. We have had … Continue reading Establishing a Recovery Community Bedrock of Mutual Interest to Build a Future On
Every Stick Has Two Ends – A Discourse on the Consequences of Drug Use Normalization
Recently, the founder of Recovery Review Jason Schwartz penned an important piece on the polarization of current drug policy, Protecting autonomy by denying it? Undermining autonomy by asserting it? He notes that at one pole, multiple states are proposing and passing legislation to allow involuntary treatment. At the other pole, normalization advocates framing drug use … Continue reading Every Stick Has Two Ends – A Discourse on the Consequences of Drug Use Normalization
Restoring American Community – Recovery Community as a Catalyst
“Let us use whatever power and influence we have, working with whatever resources are already available, mobilizing the people who are with us to work for what they care about.” – Margaret Wheatley We are losing community and connection with each other across our nation. It is a key driver of drug use. People cope … Continue reading Restoring American Community – Recovery Community as a Catalyst
Cerebral Hypoxia & the “Opioid Epidemic” – An Elephant in the Room
Addiction is a vexing challenge in our society. One it is prudent to look at what is not being spoken about, perhaps with as much or more focus than what is getting attention. Where are the proverbial elephants in the room? Cerebral Hypoxia and related brain injury associated with overdoses is one of those elephants … Continue reading Cerebral Hypoxia & the “Opioid Epidemic” – An Elephant in the Room
Can We Please Stop Saying Recovery from Addiction is Possible or Expected in America?
Imagine this scenario. You get the frightening diagnoses of cancer, like addiction, it is often terminal if left on its dreadful course unimpeded. You are in the depths of despair, facing everything this terrible diagnosis means for your life and the lives of people who love and do not want to lose you. Consider: The … Continue reading Can We Please Stop Saying Recovery from Addiction is Possible or Expected in America?
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