Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
That’s just one of the many statistics that could be taken as an indication that the War on Drugs was an utter failure.
But if demonizing and stigmatizing addiction doesn’t help people find recovery, how can we start creating a new path?
It all begins with changing perceptions about addiction and the people that struggle with it each day. New views and attitudes can set off a chain reaction own state and local policies, research funding, prevention efforts and recovery support efforts — ultimately saving lives.
It’s a lofty goal, but one that we can approach like we do everything else in recovery: One day at a time.
If you’d like to start, listen to this week’s Man Rules podcast with guests Patty McCarthy Metcalf, M.S., the Executive Director of Faces & Voices of Recovery, and Michael King, the National Director of Outreach & Engagement for Facing Addiction.
Here are their tips for starting this path.
Practical & Tactical Tips
Patty:
- Find your voice and get involved.
- Remember that we need to invest in Recovery Support Services that are driven by the recovery community.
- Find out who your policy makers are and what’s happening with policies that impact addiction and recovery where you live.
Michael:
- Change comes from the grassroots up. Consider becoming a Facing Addiction ambassador.
- Help other people by helping to identify recovery resources in your community. Help build a national database through the Facing Addiction Resource Hub.
- Tell your story. Your voice is the most effective tool you have.
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About Our Guest
Michael King is the National Director of Outreach & Engagement for Facing Addiction, a national non-profit organization whose primary mission is to unify the voices of the 45 million Americans directly impacted by addiction. In his position, Michael works with and to expand Facing Addiction’s coalition of partnering organizations, the Facing Addiction Action Network. In the past, Michael worked for over a decade in the political arena as a political organizer, campaign manager and communications professional. He is the proud father of two young children, and a person in long term recovery.
Patty McCarthy Metcalf, M.S., is the Executive Director of Faces & Voices of Recovery, the nation’s leading recovery advocacy organization since 2001. Her work focuses on public policy, public education, community mobilizing, peer-based recovery support services and peer workforce development. She has been instrumental in the development of national accreditation standards for peer recovery support service. Patty has designed and delivered training on topics such as recovery messaging, ethics and boundaries, recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC), peer recovery coaching and much more. As a woman in long-term recovery from alcohol and drug addiction since 1989, Ms. McCarthy Metcalf has frequently participated as a subject matter expert and thought leader with SAMHSA sponsored policy discussions. Ms. McCarthy Metcalf’s professional experience covers the spectrum of prevention, treatment and recovery.
Mentioned in This Episode
Facing Addiction in America, Executive Summary
Facing Addiction in America, Full U.S. Surgeon General’s Report
Association of Recovery Community Organizations
Mental Health Parity and Equity Act
Association of Recovery Community Organizations
Rat Race, by Bob Marley (lyrics)
Mom (TV Show on CBS)
Addiction and Recovery Resources
Reliable resources for learning more about addiction and finding help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.
General Information about Addiction
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association
For People with Substance Addictions
For Families and Friends of People with Substance Addictions
SMART Recovery Family and Friends
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
