David Stoecker: Interview for Drug Free VA

This is an interview for Sink or Swim, which is part of the Drug Free VA campaign. It was a really great experience, and I  hope it helps people who see it. I have truly been blessed to have the opportunity to speak in videos, television commercials and communities. I love that I have gone from dealing dope to dealing hope through my recovery, and enjoy the opportunities I have had to share my story with others so that they too can lead better lives.

Bottom line, drugs make you feel good but lead you to a lot of negative choices. Recovery, on the other hand, is not only possible it is amazing! Apply the 5 Pillars of Recovery (http://betterlifeinrecovery.blogspot.com/2014/12/long-term-recovery-5-pillars-of-recovery.html)  or the extended version I call the Locker Room (http://betterlifeinrecovery.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-locker-room-10-things-for-long-term.html) and you are sure to attain long-term recovery. Long-term recovery should be everyone's goal. It does take some effort. After all, recovery is not for people who need it or want it, but for the people who actually work it!

Educating people on addiction/recovery and reducing stigma are my passion. If they are your passion as well, check out what Better Life in Recovery is doing. We are transforming lives with recovery. We do this by dealing hope and reducing the stigma that surround addictions and mental health issues through community service, education and awareness events that celebrate people in long-term recovery! Thanks for reading and watching.

The Locker Room: 10 Requirements for Long-Term Recovery

I am big on using analogies; people understand analogies. Today, we are going to talk about everybody's lives using a sport’s themed analogy. Whether you are in long-term recovery, addiction or consider yourself normal (what ever that is), this applies to you! I believe we all have basic needs that must be satisfied to live our lives well. 

"What do we need?"

Glad you asked! First, realize our lives are like a game. In most games when you lose, you start a new game. In Monopoly, when you land on Go to Jail! you do not pass go, you do not collect $200 and you go directly to jail. This game is serious. In this game, when you go to jail, you are in a 5 foot by 9 foot cell and they might keep you for a while. This game is real, it is for keeps. Most of us only get one chance at it, so let’s make the most of it. 

So how do I make the most of my life?