The Torch Has Been Passed to Me . . .

. . . and I accept!

Where do I begin?

After much deliberation, I have decided to share a piece of my life with you that I “believe” happened as providence.

My reason for feeling a NEED to share my Devine calling now is primarily because:

• It is sad to witness the United States “talk” about its National Opioid Epidemic,

• I am tired of young people dying unmercifully,

• I am tired of the “war on drugs” being “fought” by using tax-paying-dollars to throw at increasing law enforcement and lock up “broke” people with addictions instead of providing “effective” treatment both in the community and institutions,

• And I am very tired of the “surfaced” bigotry that prevails the “United” States of America—its atmosphere, and some hearts.

For about five years I was the Substance Abuse Specialist for CCC (Colonial Community Corrections) in the early 2000’s.  I had the pleasure of working for Katie Green—who afforded me many opportunities to attend trainings and provide creative programming for the clients served—people on probation with alcohol and other drug problems.

In addition, I was also fortunate to have clinical supervision provided by CFTJ (the Center for Therapeutic Justice).

While working for/with CCC & CFTJ, I had a life-changing experience.  I was introduced to Mr. James Houck and Wally P.

This was a life changing experience for me,

and from what I understand, life-changing for

all others who witnessed these times.

Up until that time, I had been a substance abuse counselor for about 8 years and had noticed that MOST of my clients complained about the same things regarding the AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) 12-step programs:

(1) not wanting to call themselves alcoholics or addicts;

(2) not wanting to “find” a sponsor;

(3) not wanting to go to 90 meetings in 90 days (as suggested); and

(3) not wanting to “wait” before being able to help another suffering-addicted-person.

(4) And I couldn’t understand “why” AA and/or NA members were being told to wait a year before starting the 12-step-work …. and then to take one’s time from that point forward.

Many meeting-goers I talked to said that they were stuck at Step Four (sometimes for 7 years or more).

. . . and then I met two very special men . . . . Eureka!!

. . . Wally P. (author of Back to Basics – The Alcoholics Anonymous Beginners’ Meetings) who taught me that ALL of what my clients were witnessing, at the 12-step meetings, was NOTHING like the original AA meetings.

. . . and Mr. James Houck  who “showed” me that the program was life-changing—when administered and practiced as designed.

• at the time of my meeting, James was 96 years old—and at such time, one of the last surviving members of the Oxford Group–which spawned Alcoholics Anonymous.
• James was also the man who got sober one day after Bill W. (co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous).
• James Houck challenged AA members to move beyond their daily quest for sobriety to commit themselves fully to God and to listen daily to their inner voice for direction.
• His claim to fame, deservingly so, is that in 2004, he was profiled in TIME Magazine as the only man alive who knew the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I am more seasoned now, and more comfortable in trusting my instincts; however, back then I did not challenge my uncomfortableness in “policing” clients required to attend 12-step meetings that I “instinctively” felt were not beneficial (and in some cases detrimental based on the unhealthiness of some “leadership”).

So, when I “discovered” the “original” 12-step program, I got excited, hungry and hooked on wanting to learn more—and I did! . . .   TO read more, click on ⇒ Omide’s Back To Basics Journey

I now know why I was given the torch …. perhaps “the Universe” felt that it could use my boldness to good use ♦.

. . . for here we are in 2017 facing a Nationwide Opioid Addiction Epidemic . . .

Eureka, again!!

While researching for this posting, I “discovered” that there is an Opiates Anonymous 12-Step Program (OPA) … AND OPA uses AA’s Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous Text).

Opiates Anonymous Mission Statement:      

“Opiates Anonymous World Service’s purpose is to serve Opiates Anonymous service structures and members in their efforts to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. It is our belief that every addict should have an opportunity to hear our message of hope.  As the result of our experience with the original twelve step program as outlined in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, we no longer suffer. We have recovered from a hopeless state of mind, body and spirit.”

Copyright 2015 Opiates Anonymous World Services, Inc. All rights reserved    

 ◊Source http://www.opa12.org/home.html

Therefore, it is my professional, personal and spiritual belief that this Opioid Dependency Epidemic can get close to eradication if the 12-step programs get BACK TO BASICS with Beginner’s Meetings–“it’s all about saving lives“.

Now, in keeping with tradition . . .

THE ROY-BLOG BITE:

It will truly be a great day in America when the war on poor people is won.  But in the end it all comes down to profit and not a prophet!

Thanks for stopping by, thanks for letting me share—let’s keep in touch!

 I hope to have more frequent encounters . . . while also hoping it is always worth the wait.

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