It’s never too late: Reaching recovery in mid-life.

Whom do you think of when you think of an addict?  Someone shooting up in an alley?  A drunk with a bottle in a paper bag?  In this episode of PEER Voices, we discuss how inaccurate these stereotypes are, and how their prevalence deters some from seeking recovery.

Today our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, interview Derrick Kirkland.  Derrick did not reach recovery until his 50’s, but using the 12-steps, he now has over 7 years of sobriety. 

Join us as Derrick discusses the unique challenges of reaching recovery later in life and tells us what techniques and skills have worked for him.  Derrick credits his religious faith and the many people who reached out to him for the life he now lives, and he shares remembrances of his many mentors.

Highlights of PEER Voices Episode Two

1:45 – “Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern helped me quite a lot in my recovery.”  (Potential role models and inspiration are everywhere.)

4:30 – “It’s a boomerang and a ripple, all at the same time.”  (Helping others can further your own recovery)

6:15 – “Please quit playing with God before God takes his hands off you.” (Recovery can have a spiritual motivation for some)

11:45 – “It’s never too late, as long as I have breath in my body.”  (You might have many false starts before reaching recovery.  The important thing is continuing to try.)

15:15 – “I found I suffered from a spiritual malady, not a material malady.”  (Addiction doesn’t always look like you expect.)

18:00 – “[What is the definition of ‘peer?’]  It means we are on the same level.  (We are all in the fight together.)