New Co-moderator Introduction

[Dickon]

Hello everyone,

I thought I'd introduce myself as one of the two new co-moderators on the Recovery and Addiction section of this site. The other is Ilsa, and as for the time being lostgurl is going to be rather busy, I think Ilsa and I will be looking after this area of DF, keeping it fun and friendly, and with any luck providing information and advice, companionship and warmth to those for whom the experience of drugs hasn't been, lets just say, entirely positive.

My cat will be assisting me in this role, and he just wants to say a few words:

Hi, I'm Dickon's cat, and I've had some experience with addiction to various things. From 18 to 38 I was addicted to opiates, with about 3 1/2 years of 12-step based recovery in that time. I've also been addicted to amphetamines, crack, benzodiazepines and alcohol. I've been on methadone programmes, and don't really have all that many veins left.

But, the good news is, I'm 7 months off everything, and life is fantastic. Two days before I ended my methadone taper, I discovered this forum, and I found it an incredible resource, and some of you may have seen my Screaming in the night air thread, which is the story of how I quit. I kept going by journaling on here, especially during the sleepless nights. The thread is crazy, as I was going through it at the time. I eventually calmed down (somewhat!!) and started a post-withdrawal journal: Dreaming in the night air: the sequel. Withdrawal over, what now?.

So, those two threads will give you far more infomation on me than you could ever possibly need! drugs-forum has been really important in my recovery this time round, and thats why I've accepted the co-moderatorship.

If people could play nice that would make me very happy and please take the time to read the rules properly. It may seem petty and stupid, and we might not all be the best at following rules, but unless you want hastle, just do it. It's no big deal, and it's not nice to fall foul of them: I know! Yes, swimming or talking about pets may seem weird at first, but you get used to it. Remember too that even if your drug use is legal (i.e. methadone, buprenophine/subutex/suboxone), it's still self-incrimination as far as DF goes.

Also, please, please, please, remember that people seeking help for addiction issues are not going to be in a good place. Let's all try and show some compassion, and let's keep this place safe and kind. We all need a bit of TLC from time to time.

Finally, although I am not a dogmatic person, I am naturally swayed by my own experience. So, just to put my cards on the table, the things that have worked for me I will almost certainly suggest to others. I practice, at the moment, an abstinence-based recovery, and do see this as a better end than methadone or buprenorphine maintenance. Although I have almost no experience with buprenorphine, I have spent a number of years on methadone, both on low and reasonably high doses, oral and i.v. I never felt free of my addiction until I quit. I shall try to be even-handed, and I do understand that maintenance can be a life-saver, and might well reduce the risk of overdose after a lapse or relapse.

I spent 3 1/2 years in N.A., so if I have some small issues with 12-step fellowhips, it's not contempt prior to investigation. I actually think, in England at least, where people are not put on court orders and forced to attend, it is a brilliant organisation. The fellowhship is without parallel, and it's everywhere. I might even end up there again some day, this time with a knowledge that it is not the only way. There is a lot of good information on here about this, and I started a sticky thread about N.A. here: Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous. Information on 12 step fellowships.

I have a lot of pet activities I consider "good for recovery" that I'll try to avoid pushing over-zealously but I am enthusiastic! If I enjoy something I sometimes mistakenly think others will or ought to enjoy it or benefit from it too. I practice Zen --- Soto if that means anything to you --- and have just got back from a 7 day Sesshin (meditation retreat). I will probably push the idea of a bit of meditation from time to time. I might well push tai chi, yoga, and dancing too as I benefit greatly from and enjoy them.

I am not you. You are not me. What works for one person might well not work for another. I talk shit from time to time. You probably do too! That's ok. If I do happen to be talking shit, please tell me: nicely! There is life after addiction, and a lot of people have found DF R&A a great resource for their journey. Let us, together, make it even better. There is life after the madness, and a good life too!!!!

Love to all, and please go easy on me while I find my feet

Dickon

Reputation Comments on this post:

	a very nice introduction.
	Beautiful introduction. We have a great mod.

[welshmick]

Good luck Dickon

[Ilsa]

Hi all,

as Dickon mentioned, i'll also be helping out...i look forward to working with Dr D, and being more a part of the support system that's helped me as well, the support system i find here on DF. I agree with much of what Dickon has to say, so i won't repeat it, but i did want to introduce myself also.

best to everyone and namaste

[yaba]

Congrats to the both of you, you will be a great assets !

[chillinwill]

Congrats guys and girls. I can't think of anybody better for R&A mods

[~lostgurl~]

Welcome! I am looking forward to working with both of you, absolutely fantastic additions to the team.

[ex-junkie]

dickon and ilsa ftw tbh. couldnt have found better swimmers to fill in!

<3