One chapter closes.......the next one opens!

Good times in Washington DC at the Ambassador Retreat

  Sometimes you have to make tough decisions, and today is no exception. It's kind of a "good news", "sad news" situation. I was recently accepted into a Peer Support Recovery Training Certification program offered by The Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services Board. This is the Good news! Due to adding this to my plate, I will have to resign my duties as Program Coordinator & Ambassador for Runwell, The Linda Quirk Foundation. Now you know the "sad news" part of my decision.
   The last couple of years with Runwell have been nothing short of life changing! I owe Linda, along with Kim, and all of the Ambassadors, a big Thank You for having made my time with Runwell truly great! I know our paths will continue to cross in the future. I have been working on getting my business website up and running and I look forward to when I start offering services through my company, Active Recovery Consulting in the very near future. I really look forward to having a positive impact on the NorthEast Ohio community. I am excited to be starting the next chapter of my story and look forward to seeing where this journey takes me. Even though we are parting ways I am still fundraising for Runwell to benefit Recovery Resources in Cleveland by competing in The Eastern States 100 mile race
in August and continue to support their mission! I hope you will too.

 Thanks for the support these last couple of years! It has made a difference!

Me and my wife, Mary, at the Run for Recovery race in 2015

I look forward to being able to use my experience and knowledge with substance abuse and mental health issues to help those in need live a lifestyle that promotes health and wellness. There are options available if you are willing to take a more active role in your personal wellbeing. 


Ready to take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle? It's time to get "Active"

Next chapter!

Taking An Active Role In Your Physical, And Mental Health

I have been in recovery from cocaine and alcohol abuse for over 23 years.
I have also been cigarette free since February 12th 2007. These vices were ways that I used to deal with, well actually not deal with life and its stressors.Along with my abuse of drugs and alcohol I was also diagnosed with a mental illness. Dual diagnosis of Mental Health & substance abuse are quite common. Dual diagnosis is the term used when a person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and a problem with alcohol or drugs. A person who has a dual diagnosis has two separate illnesses, and each illness needs its own treatment plan. 
In my case, I have had symptoms of depression & mild bipolar disorder for many years. 
Nothing like abusing alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to try and keep one's demons in check. 
At one point I was on an antidepressant & a mood stabilizer to help me cope. When I got into running after I quit smoking I realized that since my disorders were not too severe I may be able to cope through physical activity, talk therapy, and some good old soul searching. It does help to be married to someone with experience in the mental health field! Mary could give me the guidance and support needed, and also helped me with my quest to find a qualified therapist to talk to.
  To be able to function without being on medication is not always easy and demands that I take an all encompassing approach to my mental well being. This approach includes nutrition, physical exercise, talk therapy, yoga, and quite a bit of reflection. In February of 2015 I founded my company, Active Recovery Consulting with the idea I was pretty much going to gear it to helping those with substance use & mental health issues. As I learned more and thought more about it I realized we are all basically in some type of recovery on a daily basis. Whether it be from a crappy day at work, a disagreement with a loved one or just someone cutting you off on the road we all need some "recovery" time.
  If you follow me on Facebook I am sure you have seen posts with Mary and myself out having fun, smiling, & just enjoying our life together. This is in part due to the time and effort that we both put into our relationship when things aren't going so great. Luckily for us we usually only have "our days" once in a while and our relationship, like us has grown over the years. I am very fortunate that Mary is understanding and knows that sometimes my mouth engages way before my brain.

 If I don't use the coping skills I have learned or participate in the activities that keep me grounded I can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. After all I am still 75% stubborn Italian! Bottom line is that in order to grow as and individual, or a couple you will experience growing pains. It is how you choose to deal with these"pains"that you strengthen your relationships. Just like watching an athlete who seemingly does something effortlessly, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. 
  I say this just to point out that nothing in life is guaranteed and we are owed nothing by anyone. If you want to achieve something, I say go for it but be prepared to put in the work necessary to reach your goals. It is also possible to live with certain mental illnesses and dealing with what life can throw at you without taking medications. I feel that we live in a society that overprescribes medication and tries to convince the public that there are easy answers to whatever ails you! 

If you watch television commercials, there seems to be a pill available to "fix" anything. Most times this "quick fix" is not a fix at all but a way for a company to profit off of questionable claims. Taking an active part in the "movie" that is your life is a great first step to achieving overall health and wellness.