I read in your introduction that at first you did not want to write this book, because you felt that you had already accomplished the task of writing a book on recovery with Symptoms of Withdrawal. But since the publishing of Moments of Clarity, you have been widely embraced by the recovery community and have become somewhat of a face and a voice for the movement. My question is, do you feel more comfortable now as you have been placed in this position, and if so, do you see yourself writing another book about addiction recovery? Thanks for your time!
At this point I feel very comfortable and useful being public about my recovery, however it is one part of my professional life. I am currently writing a novel, I hope to continue acting as well as agitating for change in the public health arena.
Hi Christopher! I don't know if you remember me....I interviewed you at the previous AATOD Conference for our website called MSO (Methadone Support Org.) and I am also the GSR of Methadone Anonymous World Services Inter-group. Anyway, when we spoke you had a movie just coming out with Anthony Hopkins and some other great actors....and you were in the midst of writing this book that you are sharing about now. Ring any bells, lol? (Just kidding)
Recently, I have been a little overwhelmed with the Stigma associated with the disease of alcohol and drug addiction. I have been wondering, whether or not someone as yourself...a person that gets both the Hollywood Stars and the typical everyday addict's viewpoints on this subject as well...ever gets frustrated with it all? I mean we have so much work to still accomplish in order to educate the public about the false negativity on this very common disease, and I guess my question for you is, "Do you ever feel like you are losing the battle when it comes to helping educate all of the different types of people in our society? And if so...how do you cope with keeping yourself motivated like you obviously do very well?
I still have not purchased your book but I am very much looking forward to reading it. My special thanks to Faces And Voices Of Recovery for making me aware that your new book is now available at bookstores.
Mr. Christopher Lawford, Thank you again for your time answering my questions. If you don't mind one more question (which you can simply answer with a "no comment", lol...)I was wondering if you think our new President of America will be "on our side" so to speak and willing to help MMT/ MAT patients while he is in office, or if you believe things will get any worse than they are now? I, myself, truly believe in our new president. I think he is wonderful! If you don't want to answer this question I completely understand. Thanks for everything either way. And, Thanks for all you do for people such as myself. You are quite an inspiration to me.
Your Sister In Recovery and "Addiction Survivor".............~Melissa A. Wann
Great to hear from you. I have great faith in President Obama if he can find the money and there is not overwhelming response from the Republicans. He is on the money and I have no doubt that he will make significant changes and advances in our health care system.
As to your first questions about being occasionally frustrated, these are difficult and complicated issues surrounded by a great deal of stigma and miss information. It is a challenge. But if we keep it in a day a time and think about one person at a time all things are doable. I have found in my journey that reaching my hand out to another individual can save lives and change the world.
