Multi Addictions Dialogues
These are dialogues and reflections from our weekly Multi Addictions Recovery Meetings.
Removing the specific focus on one addiction allows us to explore more freely the root causes of our addiction/s. These meetings are a deep dive into our shared recovery process. They have been created to stir our hearts and minds into new ideas and possibilities beyond (but not excluding) what we already know and believe to be true about recovery.
May Multi Addictions Dialogue
…with Rose
"My name is Rose and I am in addiction recovery.
The poem I chose for this Multi-Addictions dialogue exploring the Sovereign archetype was ‘The Journey’ by Mary Oliver. This is about finding a way to become integrated and true to ourselves. In my interpretation, becoming aligned with our ‘higher power’ whatever that may be, rather than living from the egotistical false self. I was asked about what nourishes me and supports my well-being. I work with and support counsellors, which aligns with the ‘overseer’ aspect of Sovereignty. As well as giving me meaning and purpose, this is mutually nourishing work. I’m fortunate to have a lovely group of friends, with whom I dance and share poetry. I’m also in a choir and a women elders group.
My gratitude for simple things, like birdsong, the river and the sea, the turn of the seasons, and having connection to nature, all nourishes me.
None of this would be possible if I was still in the throes of active addiction.
It was really lovely to have such an enjoyable conversation with Amber, who has walked alongside me in my recovery journey."
April Multi Addictions Dialogue
…with Lee
"My name is Lee. I reside in Plymouth. I am 63 years old and presently almost 6 years clean from drug and alcohol addiction. Presently I employ a variation of modalities in my ongoing journey of recovery - a 12 step model, a men's shadow work circle, and art and creativity in various forms which nourish and sustain my recovery. I have followed and supported Rite to freedom and find their nuanced and multi faceted approach very effective. They provide safe supported spaces where people can discover and explore processes of change with challenging addictive behaviours and substance use.
This dialogue, for me, touched upon how powerful creativity and art became as a vehicle for change for me personally and continue to do so. It affirmed that it is possible to break out of old narratives and ideas and break into new ground given the right circumstances and people around you.”
March Multi Addictions Dialogue
…with Poppy
"I am 30 years old and living in Exeter. I first encountered Rite to Freedom at their emotionally profound event over a year ago at Exeter Phoenix. I have been following their socials since and have since encountered various individuals around Devon who spoke so highly of their experiences on their residentials. I grew up around extreme levels of substance abuse and whilst the hard drugs didn’t catch me I struggled with various addictive behaviours which had not been considered serious enough to engage in other addiction recovery spaces. Recently I was reaching a mile stone of 6 months of complete sobriety and joined my first online meeting with Rite to Freedom. This space has been deeply comforting and reassuring, a sense of belonging, to enter a space which recognises all forms of addictive behaviours. I am particularly fond of the core foundations of nature, mindfulness and creativity, which are three core aspects of my own recovery journey.”
February Multi Addictions Dialogue
Hedge Witchery on the High Moor
With Ali Chapman and Caspar Walsh
Ali Chapman is in long term recovery and is our first course participant to be trained as a leader. She is now an integral part of the charity, as a core member of our small staff team and is the lead nature connection facilitator on our New Tribe residentials. She brings her passion for the wild outdoors, her hard-earned wisdom and great love of community to all that she does.
January Multi Addictions Dialogue
The Soul of Recovery
With Tor Cotton and Caspar Walsh
Tor Cotton, is in recovery and has been based in Ireland since the mid 1990s. She has been a friend of Caspar’s since 1984. They both entered recovery in 1988. She is a photographer, writer, film maker and produced the bestselling documentary ‘The Dolphin’s Gift’ about the Dingle Bay dolphin, Fungi. She is a key contributor to the Dingle community and a loving mother of four.
December Multi Addictions Dialogue
Exploring The Roots of Addiction
With Freddy Weaver and Caspar Walsh
Freddy Weaver is a trauma informed psychotherapist working as an addictions counsellor since 2005. He regularly joins our New Tribes residentials as a therapist / facilitator and previously served on the trustee board for Rite to Freedom.
“I am especially excited to be engaged with Rite to Freedom because their contribution to the addiction recovery world is somewhat unique. Exploring these patterns and dynamics in the Rite to Freedom context of deep nature connection, mytho-poetic narrative and creative expression is both inspired and inspiring.”
Rite to Freedom supports those in established recovery from addiction through mentoring, self-empowerment, wilderness experiences and the power of personal stories.
We work specifically with the tools and practices of nature connection, meditation and creativity.
We are a registered charity based on Dartmoor, UK.
Rite to Freedom supporters will become directly involved in our work which helps people at any stage of the addiction recovery process. Our work focuses on creating positive and sustainable changes in their lives.