It takes courage to relive the worst days
Imagine being homeless, dispossessed, and afraid to ask for help. Imagine coming out of prison without the first idea of how to find an income, let alone a career. Imagine having no clue that there would be help to get back on track from all-consuming addiction. We hope that the energy from our DDN Conference will come through the pages of this month’s issue. Taking the platform takes a lot of courage if you’re talking about yourself – but especially if you’re reliving the worst days of your life. To take that experience and share it with others who might be struggling is truly inspirational. We are indebted to everyone who contributed – thank you for inspiring us.
We often receive letters from people who are far from this stage, especially those on long-term prison sentences who dread the ‘what next’ after release (p22). I hope they draw comfort – and information – from the support networks made up of people who’ve been in a similar situation that will be ready to help, guide and offer new hope for the future. Our conference delegates included staff members from drug and alcohol services, but most had lived, living – and thriving – experience, and they prove constantly that they are key to informing the therapeutic partnership.
Read the September issue as an online magazine (you can also download it as a PDF from the online magazine)
Claire Brown, editor