Centreville native, Easton Country School alum, and now Chestertown resident Rachel Goss is The Spy Recovery section’s first interview relating to the new grassroots movement to reframe the dialogue we have about addiction.
Goss talks about her long-term recovery experience and how “The Anonymous People” project has changed her perception of the way addicts see themselves and how they are viewed by society at large—both perceptions clouded by stigma.
Shifting from the stigma of addiction (even for those in long term recovery) to a focus on the recovering person’s inherent value as an equal and productive member of society is the theme of this Spy section and we invite you to participate in a new, dynamic and ongoing discussion about addiction, treatment, the celebration of Recovery.
The video is approximately six minutes in length
Note: The movie “The Anonymous People” referenced in Rachel Goss’s talk has not yet been scheduled for a Chestertown screening. A venue and schedule is being considered for a screening in Chestertown this summer. Stay tuned.
John Winslow says
Great article and video clip on presenting the flip-side of addiction! We’ve all seen the “this is your brain ~ this is your brain on drugs” prevention pieces, the grainy pictures of stumble-bums in dark alleys, dirty trench-coats, and the “junkie” cooking up his works with a dirty kitchen spoon. Thank you for presenting a refreshing new perspective on addiction… that of the celebration of recovery, of rebuilt lives, regained trust and self-respect, freedom from shame, and regaining a rightful place in society! We applaud your efforts and give our full support to your bringing awareness to the public that millions of people are successfully recovering (through many pathways) from this incurable, progressive, potentially fatal illness that has reached epidemic proportions throughout our nation and around the world.
*Note to the editor: We would encourage advising those whom you interview to avoid disclosure of personal affiliation with any particular 12-Step membership, or editing any/all media that discloses personal affiliation with any particular 12-Step membership. TY
rachel goss says
John – thank you for your kind words.
I have a habit of using the name of my program – hard to break – but working on it…
and it is part of my story.
I know there are other programs and resources and would love to see all of them discussed. I believe that the Spy will do an amazing job highlighting all aspects of recovery.
R
Skip Middleton says
Well done Rachel – Totally admirable sticking your past and your personal challenges and demons out there, especially in a close knit community. Keep up the great work, and cudos to you and your support network, most importantly your husband and kids, for staying on track. All the best!