Patrick Kennedy, who already authored a book about his own and his family’s challenges with mental health and substance use (Common Struggle), has crafted another touching book, written in the style of his uncle John F’s book Profiles in Courage. In this Profiles, there are 12 untold stories of individuals who struggled with their mental health and addiction. Included in these stories are …
Recovery Blog Post – Aidan
My name is Aidan, and I’m an addict. I grew up in New Canaan, to a single mother. Growingup I felt rather anxious, I didn’t have a lot of friends, and I got diagnosed with depression,anxiety and ADHD at a young age. Instant gratification was something I latched onto early. Mythoughts were intense and critical, I obsessed over what people …
Aidan’s 2024 Vigil Testimonial
Following is Aidan’s 2024 Vigil Testimonial, word for word. To view the video of his speech click here. My name is Aidan, and I’m an addict. I grew up in New Canaan, to a single mother. Growing up I felt rather anxious, I didn’t have a lot of friends, and I got diagnosed with depression, anxiety and ADHD at a …
Pathway Session on Boundaries a Big Success
On Wednesday, October 16, we hosted Amanda Craig, PhD, for a Pathway Session on setting healthy boundaries to promote recovery. Dr. Craig is a licensed marriage and family therapist and board-approved clinical supervisor with a clinical focus on issues impacting our relationships. To start off the meeting, Amanda set the stage by defining a boundary as a “property line” where …
Book Review – Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction: Recovery, Love and Loss, by David Magee
Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction: Recovery, Love and Loss, by David MageeDavid Magee is an incredible storyteller, who shares the story of his personal journey in this page-turnerof a book. Written in tribute to his son William, who died of an overdose, David recounts how addictionimpacted him and his relationships all throughout his life. With respect to his …
Recovery Blog Post – Wendy
I am a truly grateful, recovering alcoholic. I am 60 years old and have cumulatively been sober 32 years with one relapse. Last month, I celebrated 6 years of continuous sobriety with the validation, love, and support of my groups. My groups, including 12-step groups, have been crucial to me. Alcoholism is a disease of loneliness, and I have found …
Vigil speeches are now available on YouTube
We were touched by each of our speakers this year, at our 8th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil. Aidan, Cini and Ben each did an amazing job, each coming from a different background and each with their own individualized pathway to recovery. Aidan C. started off our speaker program, following a powerful introduction from Aidan’s mom, Jacqueline. Aidan’s testimonial, complete …
Book Review – The Power of Storytelling: The Art of Influential Communication, by Ty Bennett
The August 29, 2024 New Canaan Vigil was a success because of storytelling, specifically through ourline-up of speakers who shared their recovery journeys in a very open and authentic way. They allreceived standing ovations because of what we called “The Power of Story”, or in Ty Bennett’s book ThePower of Storytelling. Neuroscientists have proven long ago that people who hear …
Do Recovery Stories Save Lives?
At our August 29 New Canaan Vigil, I introduced the concept of Power of Story. By this, I meant that recovery stories told, in a courageous, vulnerable way, saves lives. I have even quantified it, even though–as I mentioned–I have no academic or work-related credentials. I said that every story told openly results in at least one life saved. Why …
September Letter from the Founder
Our September newsletter is out, and I was grateful for the opportunity to write about our August 29, 2024 New Canaan Vigil. There were so many things that went right for our 8th Annual, which I discuss in the Letter from the Founder below: We did it! Hit the stretch target of 500 attendees at our 8th Annual New Canaan Vigil. …