David's Latest Blog Posts
- New Recovery Voices: Tim Leighton & Gary Rutherford (April 15, 2024)
- My Forthcoming UK Trip (April 11, 2024)
- My Journey: From Brain Chemicals to Human Connection (March 2, 2024)
- Ten Most Viewed Posts, 2023 (December 31, 2023)
- Reflections on, and Quotes from, Noreen Oliver MBE (RIP) (December 30, 2023)
- An Extraordinary Recovery Champion: Noreen Oliver RIP (December 20, 2023)
- My Apologies (December 20, 2023)
- Recovery Voices: Our First Two Weeks (October 9, 2023)
- The Recovery Walk in Hull 2023: Carl’s Story (October 2, 2023)
- Huseyin Djemil, Part 2 (September 26, 2023)
- Recovery Voices Launched Today (September 25, 2023)
- Apology and What’s Coming Next Month (August 13, 2023)
- Powerlessness: Wendy Dossett (August 1, 2023)
- Inspired by Natalie’s Story (July 31, 2023)
- Gifts of Knowledge That Recovering People Can Bestow: Bill White (July 29, 2023)
- An Exciting 24 Hours, Recovery-Wise (July 28, 2023)
- My Second Recovery Voices Interview With Wulf Livingston (July 27, 2023)
- My Second Interview With James Deakin of North Wales Recovery Communities (July 11, 2023)
Random Content Selection
Random Story
Kevan’s Recovery Story: ‘He’s a Loser and Will Never Be Any Good’
After 25 years of problem drinking and eight years in and out of psychiatric hospitals, Kevan runs NERAF which has nearly 100 staff and volunteers and provides a support service across the north-east of England (9,000 words).
Random Article
Harm Reduction (Harm Minimisation)
Describes the rationale behind the harm reduction approach, as well as the different harm reduction interventions, e.g. needle and syringe exchanges and methadone maintenance. (922 words)
Random Film
What Does the Recovery Model Look Like Today: Mark Ragins
Dr. Mark Ragins, a leading figure in mental health recovery, emphasises three key features of recovery-based care: 1. Is the service person-centered rather than illness-centered? 2. Recovery programmes move from being professional driven to being client-driven. 3. Is the programme really strengths-based rather than deficits-based? NAMILosAngeles. 9 April 2021. [4’32]
Random Resource
Phil Valentine’s Blog
One of my favourite bloggers has been Phil Valentine, Executive Director of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), who has used his blog to share lessons he has learned in his recovery and in his professional roles. An introduction to Phil and his blog, links to nine of my favourite posts from Phil’s blog, […]
Random Healing
Judith Herman: Trauma and Recovery
1. Principles of recovery (healing) ‘The core experiences of psychological trauma are disempowerment and disconnection from others. Recovery, therefore, is based upon the empowerment of the survivor and the creation of new connections. Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation. In her renewed connection with other people, […]
















