By M.C. (Miles) Peters
In response to your disclosures published recently online by ''BayToday'' surrounding the plight and journey of a local Police Officer under suspension I respectfully submit the following in the hopes that you may consider posting for the benefit of the many families that experience similar conditions and circumstances .
Having journeyed on the front lines of rehabilitation for drug and alcohol dependency for many years I wish this Police Officer absolute success in his recovery undertakings . If he truly succeeds by dying sober following many years of remaining true to his new found commitment he will earn distinction, respect and admiration especially from family and those that are closest too him and society at large.
A word of caution though.........It is well known in recovery circles that those that arrive on the doorsteps of recovery that are being motivated by their liver, their lover , their lawyers or their careers ... have cautious and limited potential for sustained and long term recovery. They have to want and make the changes primarily for themselves and I hope this is true in this case and others that follow. That being said, even arriving at the doors of recovery for ulterior reasons , or engaging in common missteps and recovery error may well open the doors of enlightenment and influence that leads towards a sustainable clean and sober quality life.
Words that are consistently prescribed are ......''Check Your Motives''
It is also a caution and observation that there are those who will ''Get Well Too Fast'' and in the process lose sight of the powerlessness of addiction and in turn may close the door should they falter, and subsequently experience great difficulty swallowing their diminished pride and returning to seek much needed help after a fall from grace.
I would hope this never happens in this case as the degree of humility required does get more evasive following their initial entry into recovery. That is why we caution those on the path of recovery ....''that no matter how far down the road of recovery you may journey...you are still the same distance from the ditch''......so ,it is recommended that you remain consistently vigilant and ''Check Your Motives'' as your life may well depend on it.
This is one of the primary reasons most individuals in true recovery mode keep that part of their life a more private (anonymous) journey seeking no recognition or exposure for their private accomplishments or determinations especially at the level of press ,radio and other public media. Should any individual falter it also sends the false message that the recovery process does not work and that makes it even more difficult for those in desperate need to seek the necessary help.
There is no doubt that PTSD or unresolved trauma , whether it be from childhood abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, societal abuse, shame held secrets, abandonment , grief, horrific events, etc., etc., can be a fuelling factor for the progression of drug and alcohol dependency. In fact this syndrome is common for all suffering the advanced stages of addiction whether they be police officers , lawyers, priests , politicians , housewives , students ,or store clerks. The impact and magnitude of Trauma may vary , even with the non addicted, but in no way should the term be used to define any type of special ''uniqueness or distinction "amongst those afflicted as it is common and inherent amongst all suffering the illness of addiction and many others in our society who possess the coping skills and wellness to process and cope with all life experiences.
Coming to terms with and acceptance of all trauma, unresolved emotional pain, life's events and issues etc.,.....both past and present, whether buried deep or fully conscious, coupled with the essential healthy lifestyle changes is indeed the very essence and process of recovery. Wishing the very best to all individuals and their loved ones affected by the scourge of alcoholism and drug addiction.
M.C. (Miles) Peters
