FORUS
Focus On Recovery United Support
Recovery Magazine
Winter edition 2016/17
“The word on Recovery by people in Recovery”
December 2016 - February 2017
Contents
Page 2 Recovery month Sandwell
Page 3 Recovery month Sandwell
Recovery service
Page 4 Recovery at Christmas
While you’re in treatment with IRiS you can get support
from a Recovery worker alongside your Key worker.
Once you have finished treatment you can then have after
care support with the Recovery team for up to 2 years.
Page 5 Recovery at Christmas
Page 6 Recovery at Christmas
Page 7 Football team
Support to access education and training
Page 8 Football team
Support to gain employment
Access to recovery courses
Page 9 Real Recovery
Access to mutual aid and peer lead groups
Recovery football team, pool club and fishing club
Page 10 Drug crazy
Support with housing and benefits
One to one sessions with a recovery worker
Page 11 Crossword & Sudoku
Page 12 Word search
Page 13 An interview with…...
Page 14 Puzzle answers
Feedback from service user LP
“Having two workers helped me to stay motivated and
busy. There was a lot more support having two workers.
I really feel it has helped my recovery”
If you would like to access support from the Recovery
team speak to your Key worker and ask for a meeting
with a Recovery worker
1
2
Recovery month
Cranstoun Factor
To celebrate Recovery month IRiS Sandwell organised “Cranstoun Factor” a national competition
across all Cranstoun services. Teams of staff, service users, mentors and volunteers competed in a
range of events to win cash prizes and be crowned Recovery champions 2016.
Teams entered from Cranstoun led services across the country including Hounslow, Esher, Reading,
Sutton and Islington. IRiS Sandwell entered 2 teams winning first prize and best fancy dress!
Reading were runners up with The Breakfast club from Hounslow coming 3rd.
IRiS Sandwell team
Overall we won £400 for FORUS the IRiS Sandwell service user forum. The group has decided to
spend some of the money on a pampering day for the women’s group and for different activities
throughout 2017. FORUS meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 10.30am and is open to any
IRiS service user or family member. If you want more info about the group ask to speak to the
service user involvement lead Leon Barrett or your service user rep.
2
Recovery month
3rd Recovery conference
George Kelly (Service Manager IRiS)
On Friday 23rd September we held our 3rd
annual IRiS Sandwell Recovery conference
“RETHINK REBUILD RESTART”
85 people attended on the day including users,
providers and commissioners of services
The aim of the day was to celebrate Recovery
in Sandwell and look at how we can continue
to support the local Recovery community
Livingstone House Residential Rehabilitation
During the day there were 2 workshops, 1 on
Co-production run by Mick Morrow of the
Sandwell Recovery College and an asset map
workshop ran by IRiS
There was a performance of Diving into the
Wreck a piece developed with and starring
members of the Portsmouth Recovery
community
Stall holders and attendees
We want 2017 to be the biggest event of the
year and have already started planning.
We want more service users to be involved so
please speak to a member of staff or attend the
FORUS meeting 1st Wednesday of every month
10.30am at Alberta if you have ideas or want to
help plan the event
3
Recovery at Christmas
Advice from Alcoholics Anonymous
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
DON’T GET HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY OR TIRED
It is very easy each Christmas, to write a new and innovative ‘How To Stay Sober’ article mainly
because the advice has to be – because it works – exactly the same as that dished up the year
before and the year before that and so on, right back to the yuletide of 1935, the first Christmas
shared in sobriety by the two founder members of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W and Dr. Robert S.
What a miraculous Christmas gift this pair of “booze hounds” left under my tree
(our trees)! It is perennial, well tested and practical. It never fails to impress and, if I
take care of it, it’ll never wear out - even in constant 24hour daily use. The more I use it,
the better it works. It gets into all the nooks and crannies of my life and leaves them
feeling clean and looking as good as new. I can rely on it. It is my most bestest gift ever.
No job is too large or too small for it. I go nowhere without it but I’m always very happy
to pass it on to anyone who would like to try it for themselves.
The gift of sobriety.
To make sure that I receive it every year, without having to write to Santa asking for it, I
still need to do the exact same things each Christmas. I work to a programme which is
headed ‘Do not pick-up that first drink, just for today, because it is the first drink that
gets you drunk’.
You’ve all heard that before but it really is still the essence of all advice and the simplest maxim for
the continuation of your recovery during the frighteningly festive season.
With Christmas, New Year and, for some, Thanksgiving being very close together, staying sober
throughout can be a tough proposition. I remember it well; an endless round of dangerous drinking
traps; serious peer group pressure; steely determination, solemn promises to myself and family
and the inevitable misery of everyone after I take ‘that first drink’. Time after time, year-on-year,
play the familiar video. Since falling into the rooms of AA, I have come to accept that the simplest
suggestions are those that work effectively: I no longer think of them as ‘stupid’ or ‘too obvious’
or, indeed, beneath me.
I have been, over the years, extremely lucky to have been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous
because I have always had the support of my fellows whenever I have needed it, particularly
during recovery’s most stressful times – birthdays and Christmases included.
Here’s a few of the simple suggestions that will, I promise, carry you through the Christmas
minefield...............
1) Continue to work your programme of recovery as you would on any other day of the year.
2) Stay in touch with your fellows in recovery and your sponsor. If you don’t have a sponsor, get
one! Call her or him on a regular basis and certainly at moments of uncertainty, temptation or peer
group pressure.
3) Stay active, keep busy.
4) Wherever you go, take with you your chosen non-alcoholic drink.
5) If you are new in recovery, avoid completely all potentially boozy parties. Keep out of ‘wet’
places. Accept only those invitations to where you’ll be with people who know that you are trying to
change your life for the better.
4
Recovery at Christmas
Advice from Alcoholics Anonymous
CHRISTMAS - Continued……
6) If you socialise, take with you a sober trusted friend.
7) Go nowhere without a personal escape plan.
8) If you feel that your sobriety is being compromised, do not hesitate to use that escape plan.
Politely excuse yourself and remember, your wellbeing is far more important to you than are the
sensibilities of others. Choosing not to drink is not rude. Pressurising someone to drink is
rude....and dangerous.
9) Let someone who cares know where you’ll be. Make a point of ‘checking-in’ whilst you’re there.
10) Make sure you know which AA meetings are on over the Christmas and New Year period. Call
the AA 24hour helpline for up-to-date information*. Plan how you’re going to get to
meetings; public transport will be operating restricted services so organise lifts.
11) Make clean and sober plans for each and every day but do not project into what might happen
in situations where, in the past, you’ve run into trouble. Live only in the day and enjoy the privilege
of that day. Easy does it. Keep it simple.
12) H.A.L.T. Avoid becoming Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Do not isolate or hide yourself
away under the assumption that if you don’t see temptation you’ll not be tempted. Alone you’ll
stagnate and be at your most vulnerable because it is only your own head that’ll tell you to take
‘that first drink’.
That’s just a dozen of the things to try; there are many more - such as inviting clean and sober
people to your place (you’ll be forced to tidy-up); be good to yourself, allow some treats; plan fun
as well as safety; stay away from old drinking haunts - avoid the temptation to ‘pop in’ to wish our
old mates a merry Christmas; vary your activities – TV, walking, rest, jogging, reading etc.
Finally, for all the people about to experience their first Christmas and New Year in recovery, the
AA programme works if you work it. Believe me, living proof, and if it works for me at Christmas
and throughout the year, it can work for anyone with a desire to stop drinking and stay stopped.
Finally, you may be wondering why, after all these years, I still have to bear in mind all
these do’s and don’ts? The answer is simple; why would I stop or even think of stopping
doing something that has helped me stay sober for the last 15 Christmases?
I’m an alcoholic but I ain’t, duh, that stupid (anymore).
Love at Christmas.
‘AArdvark’
*24 hours, 7 days a week, phone FREE from mobile or landline. 0800 917 7650
5
Recovery at Christmas
IRiS Sandwell Christmas opening times
26th December Monday
Closed
27th December Tuesday
Closed
28th December Wednesday
9am-4pm
29th December Thursday
9am-4pm
30th December Friday
9am-4pm
2nd January Monday
Closed
3rd January Tuesday
Normal opening times
Feel free to drop in between 10am-12pm and 2-3.30pm
on the above dates for a hot drink and a mince pie.
Please note late night SMART and NA will be cancelled on Wednesday
28th Dec
Useful contacts
Free to phone
Samaritans 116 123
24 hour
Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650
CRUSE Bereavement 0808 808 1677
24 hour
Closed bank holidays
Standard cost
Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212
6
24 hour
IN
PARTNERSHIP
WITH
Interview with the captain
Dan Hodgkins
What motivated you to get involved?
It was a distraction that stopped me
thinking about drugs and fil up my day.
I guess I just wanted to get involved in
something.
What have you gained by
participating?
Left to right: Nathaniel Cannon, Lee Phelan, Dan Hodgkins, Shawn Bennett,
Neil Simcox, Jonathan Hone, Leon Blake, Sean Johnson
Every time I leave training I feel good,
both physically and mentally. It clears the
head and makes me feel energised. I’ve
also become more confident in social
situations and better about myself.
In September 2016 we decided to
start up a service user football team.
The aim of this was to provide a
distraction, improve health and
develop new positive social
networks.
Did you have any reservations about
taking part?
We use football in a therapeutic way
to:

develop confidence

improve cooperation skills

promote self discipline

overcome social anxiety
Yeah, I didn’t think I was fit enough or
good enough. I also find meeting new
people difficult. My key worker Jon
believed in me and this helped me to
believe in myself.
What would you say to anyone
thinking about getting involved?
Just do it! Come along and give it a go.
It’s fun, it’s free and it reminds you what
it feels like to do normal things again.
We believe these are transferrable
skills which can be applied to drug
recovery and beyond.
What would you like introduced to the
team?
I would like to take this opportunity
on behalf of IRiS service users and
say ‘thank you’ to Goals - Rowley
Regis for the use of their facilities,
3G pitches (AstroTurf) and friendly
staff.
More budget for resources, more training
days and a minibus.
7
In October our service user team played a competitive
match against Atlantic Warriors who represent Dudley
treatment services. They are an established team who
have been together for over two years. I’m proud to say
that our team beat them 3-2!
WELL DONE LADS! GREAT EFFORT!
Big congratulations to these guys on
entering their first service user football
tournament hosted by Changes UK and
held in Yardley.
With only two, 1 hour training sessions
together they made it to the quarter
finals where they got knocked out by the
eventual winners.
ONCE AGAIN WELL DONE GUYS!
8
From top left: Lee Ward, Leon Blake, Neil Simcox, Lee Phelan, Sean Williams,
James Saddler, Chris Cole
To get involved in the football
team or for more info speak to
your key worker or ask for
Jon Hone
Real Recovery
Recovery through creativity
MY JOURNEY!
My Recovery began at the start of the year and for most of the time my urines were clear.
Addictions can lead to nothing but trouble, it hasn't been easy there’s times that I
struggled. On the way there's been trips, lapses and blips, but thanks to my worker who
gave me some tips, if you put in hard work have strength and believe, who knows what
you could go on to achieve.
Spent most of my life stealing, deceiving and lying. But I promised my loved ones I wont
give up trying. Thanks to places like IRiS we all have a choice, to deal with our problems
and start a new life. One thing I learned is it pays to be honest and for once in my life I’m
keeping my promise.
Anonymous
Laura J
9
DRUG CRAZY
DRUG FACTS AND STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
by JONATHAN HONE
Blind people experience visual hallucinations when they
take LSD.
In 1898 Bayer introduced diacetylmorphine, marketed as a
cure for morphine addiction and cough suppressant. The
drug is better known by its trade name, Heroin.
In 1951, Disney published a comic in which Mickey
Mouse and Goofy become drug dealers.
BEFORE AND AFTER
QUITTING ALCOHOL
1 YEAR
SOBER
6
MONTHS
SOBER
There is a drug, called DNP, which causes the human body
to effectively burn body fat at an extremely fast rate. The
downside? Most of the energy stored in the fat is released as
heat when it is metabolized. Take too much DNP and you will
literally cook yourself to death!
7
MONTHS
SOBER
Dr James C. Munch testified in court, under oath, that
he had smoked marijuana, and it turned him into a
bat. Dr Munch was the “official expert” on marijuana
for the U.S. government from 1938 to 1962.
8
MONTHS
SOBER
300
DAYS
SOBER
Dr Munch before cannabis
Dr Munch after cannabis
In ancient China, cannabis was only used as a remedy for
dysentery.
On August 16, 1951, The CIA drugged the entire French town of Pont Saint Esprit with
LSD spiked bread as an experiment. One man tried to drown himself, screaming that his
belly was being eaten by snakes. An 11-year-old tried to strangle his grandmother.
Another man shouted: "I am a plane", before jumping out of a second-floor window,
breaking his legs. He then got up and carried on for 50 yards. Another saw his heart
escaping through his feet and begged a doctor to put it back. Many were taken to the
local asylum in strait jackets.
10
Puzzles
Crossword
Across
Down
3. One day at a ____
1. Eastenders character Peggy
7. Famous singer Stevie _____
2. Who is next in line to the throne (UK)
8. Cult film starring David Bowie
4. Famous Comedian Lee ___
11. Daniel _____ James Bond actor
5. Its raining cats and ___
14. Premier league football champions 15/16
6. Planet closest to the sun
16. Number of days in a week
9. How many steps in Alcoholics Anonymous
17. Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony______
10. What are a group of wolves called
12. If you do what you always did you get what you always___
13. How many towns in Sandwell borough
Sudoku
15. British athlete Jessica _____
11
Puzzles
Word search
12
An Interview with
Leon Barrett
(IRiS Engagement and Recovery Worker/Service User Lead)
+ What do you feel is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
There are so many rewarding aspects of my job but I suppose the one that fulfils me the
most is seeing clients get to there goal of living a healthy and drug free life.
+ What is your happiest memory?
I wont say the usual statements that some people would say like when
my daughter was born etc. as that is so obvious I would say performing
at the Fridge nightclub in Brixton in front of 2000 people and getting a
good response from the crowd will never leave me, as those who know
the fridge club know back in the day if you were a poor performer you
would get more than a few boos.
+ Favourite quote, saying or philosophy:
There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is
called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow. Today is the right
day to love, believe, do and mostly live – The Dalai Lama
+ What is the greatest achievement or happiest memory of your life so far?
This is the bit about having a beautiful and clever daughter being the happiest memory of
my life. I think if it wasn’t for her being born then I be probably still be hanging with the
wrong crowd.
Cheryl
(IRiS Peer Mentor)
+ Briefly describe your recovery journey:
My recovery journey has been a lot of ups and downs but the best thing I have ever done.
+ What do you feel has been most integral to your current successes?
Detox was the turning point in my life and I feel that making good friends through IRiS and
becoming a peer mentor has also been very important.
+ What does recovery mean to you?
Being able to wake up in the morning feeling normal without having to
take any medication and to be living a better lifestyle.
+ What advice can you give to someone struggling with their own
recovery:
Get some good friends to support you, think positively of yourself and
take everything on board.
13
Puzzle Answers
Across
Down
2
5
3
8
9
4
1
7
6
6
3
7
9
5
1
8
2
4
3. TIME
1. MITCHELL
1
9
6
2
3
7
5
8
4
8
5
4
3
6
2
9
1
7
7. WONDER
2. CHARLES
8
7
4
1
5
6
9
2
3
9
2
1
4
8
7
6
3
5
8. LABYRINTH
4. EVANS
3
8
1
9
4
2
6
5
7
1
9
3
7
4
8
5
6
2
11. CRAIG
5. DOGS
14 LEICESTER
6. MERCURY
9
6
7
3
8
5
4
1
2
5
8
2
6
9
3
7
4
1
16. SEVEN
9. TWELVE
4
2
5
7
6
1
8
3
9
7
4
6
2
1
5
3
8
9
17. JOSHUA
10. PACK
6
1
9
5
2
3
7
4
8
3
6
9
5
2
4
1
7
8
12. GOT
7
3
8
4
1
9
2
6
5
2
1
5
8
7
6
4
9
3
13. SIX
5
4
2
6
7
8
3
9
1
4
7
8
1
3
9
2
5
6
15. ENNIS
14
IRiS Sandwell
Alberta Building
128b Oldbury Road
Smethwick
West Midlands
B66 1JE
Tel: +44 (0)121 553 1333
Fax: +44 (0)121 358 9630
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.irispartnership.org
“FORUS is an
independent group of people with lived
experience of recovery who are supported
and hosted by IRiS Sandwell”
IRiS Sandwell is delivered in partnership by Cranstoun, Inclusion Drug Alcohol &
Psychological Services (special directorate of South Staffordshire & Shropshire Healthcare
NHS Foundation Trust) and Kaleidoscope+. These three organisations provide a range of
services for drug and alcohol users in the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell.
Cranstoun
Registered Charity No. 1061582
www.cranstoun.org
Inclusion Drug, Alcohol & Psychological Services
www.inclusionuk.org
Kaleidoscope+
Registered Charity No. 1096473