As September is National Recovery Month, I am happy to share a guest blog written by Rich Dwyer who has collaborated with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey on number of issues over many years. He is a founding member of the Hudson County Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, now Partners in Prevention, and has supported many self-help and quality of life initiatives during his career.
____________________________________________________________________
The journey of suffering the consequences of a substance use disorder (SUD) is complex and often unexpected, but we are learning to explore non-traditional approaches to recovery. Community in Crisis (CIC) of Bernardsville initiated “Canines for Recovery,” which may be the only dog-friendly recovery meeting in New Jersey. The idea of getting my dog involved in community service got started in Maine at the beach one night and watched how trained dogs were riding the waves with children and young adults with special needs.
Now, one of the dogs who brings comfort to meeting attendees at the hub at CIC is an Irish Setter named Seamus. Seamus has his American Kennel Club (AKC) Advanced Therapy Dog title a four (4) tricks titles and was recently featured in this Advocate Spotlight for The National Center for Advocacy and Recovery, Inc. (NCAAR), ncaar.org/advocatespotlight-seamus
“The paradigm now in the recovery field is recognizing multiple pathways to recovery,’’ explained Ken Musgrove, director of recovery support at CIC. “Not every pathway is going to work for every person. It appeals to certain people, and that’s all we’re looking for. We know we’re not going to get everybody, but let’s knock down the barriers for some.’’
The “all-recovery” format is open to all those interested in seeking or sustaining recovery, including family members of those in recovery and their advocates. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month, 11 a.m. at the Community Hub, 9 Church Street, Bernardsville. Contact Sarah P. at 908 801-2123 if you would like more information.