Taste the Freedom of Remission
Previously posted was an introduction to Dr. LaBranche’s avatar, his alter ego, or alternate persona: Dr. Zeiler. The rationale for an alternate identity is to alleviate much of the shame and guilt often experienced by those challenged with an Addiction Disorder and seeking help for it. Although Dr. LaBranche has accepted and acclimated to a lifestyle free from addiction, it cost plenty in regard to being labeled, stigmatized, and stereotyped. Even after more than twenty-five years of total abstinence from imbibing alcohol, a bit of stigma lurks in the shadows. According to Doc LaBranche, with respect to remission, the taste of freedom is priceless! And now, through Dr. Zeiler, clients can remain completely anonymous, while doing their ARMOR Program (Addiction Remission Model of Recovery), if so desired: info @ addictiondisorder.com
Doc: The alter ego is not intended for me to hide behind. It is to allow folks who may be leery of seeking professional resources, due to stigma, to work with us with complete and total confidentiality.
The stigma of all addictions is horrendous. Employment and professionalism are threatened and judged by the swamp waters of stigma. A hard-working parent, with multiple years of sustained remission, or someone properly managing a harm-reduction protocol, may be looked down upon or even let go, disenfranchised, removed from various social setting, simply because their deep dark secret has been revealed.
My email box lit up with Brittany’s intentions of a Sober fest. Folks in our social circles know my thoughts concerning stigma and its detrimental impact on achieving remission. I’ve been waiting and watching for an invigorating change agent such as Brittany to appear. And with her associates, they seem to be mobilizing a great team initiative. Welcome to remission and Thank You so very much for being You!
The meditation exercise and candlelight vigil were especially comforting for me! September not only marks the month of my 1997 sobriety date, but it is also a time of great loss for our network. During May, September, and October of 2015 we incurred three fatal overdoses, Rob M., Kali D., and Warren C., respectively.
The vigil was warm and comforting with regard to my own personal journey of healing, health, and overall well-being. With no loses since 2015, I also extend a debt of gratitude to Ms. Stevie Lee, who while still in the throes of her struggle, attended the festival in light of incessant stigma overshadowing her daily life. In closing, Wood Jeff is the man! Since attending a SMART Recovery meeting, well over a decade ago, he has remained a loyal friend and is always willing to help new network members find freedom from their addiction. Thank you goes out to Jeff M. as well! Thank you to Desiree Starr and Will for your participation too. Your presence kept me there long enough to be part of the vigil.