IN RECENT times, the public has been bombarded with gory images and news that depict addiction and those afflicted with it in a bad light.
The focus has been on the menace that, addicts, or more appropriately, persons with substance use disorder (SUD) have wrought on society. The good news however, is that there is hope and recovery is possible.
Is recovery possible? Yes it is. Brain function determines our behavior. The first thing damaged by substance use disorder is how the brain perceives people and events. Advancements in technology and neuroscience have shown how the brain, through an ability of the brain called neuroplasticity, is able to make new neural pathways and work around the damage caused by addiction or substance use disorder.
Is it possible to have a good life, to enjoy life without the use of alcohol and other drugs?
Recovery advocates say, Yes it is! With the right interventions, the brain can be “re-trained” to once again enjoy the simple pleasures of life — family, work, personal and spiritual connections.
Persons in recovery come from all walks of life.
From a former street kid becoming a responsible family man who has sent all his children through College, to a housewife now helping others live a new way of life, successful businessmen and professionals who help those afflicted with SUD lead better lives. There are millions of success stories of people from diverse faiths, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and gender. They are now citizens contributing to the positive development of their communities after experiencing appropriate support from family, friends, treatment facilities, faith-based and mutual aid organizations, community-based and government programs.
On August 1 to 2, 2018, Northern Mindanao, supported by the city of Cagayan de Oro and the province of Misamis Oriental, will be hosting the first ever Recovery Summit focusing on Sustaining and Celebrating Life In Recovery. The summit is for individuals, families, communities, organizations and government units interested in creating an environment that supports long term recovery.
The Recovery Summit exists to share the newest research on recovery, best practices of different facilities, community-based programs for recovery management, mutual aid organizations, and personal victories of persons in recovery.
The Recovery Summit includes two training courses which will be held from August 2 to 5, 2018. The following courses will be offered: Family Therapy: A Key Resource In Addictions Recovery Work and Universal Treatment Curriculum 8: Ethics for Addiction Professionals.
Capping the Recovery Summit is the first ever international credentialing exam for those who want to be certified as an Internationally Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP) and as a Recovery Coach (RC), given by the Colombo Plan International Center for Development and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE).
This momentous event was made possible by I Will Serve Foundation, Inc together with its copresentors, A. Brown Company and Swift Travel and Tours and the following sponsors, HE & Sons, Capitol University, Capitol University Medical Center, STEAG and Kagawad Gilda Go. (Emily Mora)