My name is Alex and, fortunately, I am an alcoholic. That's right! I said fortunately, because my alcoholism eventually led me to treatment and a life in recovery. Along the way I discovered a new life, happier and healthier than I could have ever imagined a few short years ago. It was a difficult time. I had little reason to live and was rapidly wasting my life in isolation and physical neglect. Alcoholism made my world devoid of goodness and joy, replacing it with darkness and fear; I felt helpless and hopeless. Maybe you know someone trapped in a similar situation?
Good fortune provided me a second chance at life. My sobriety and salvation began at Henry Ford Health System's Maplegrove Center. The experience changed my world for the better and can do the same for others struggling with alcoholism and substance dependency. Maplegrove is a place where patients learn to rebuild and reclaim their lives, well-being and a sense of hope through rehabilitation and treatment. The sad truth is that too few of those suffering from alcoholism and chemical dependency find their way to treatment and the care they so desperately need.
Those dependent on alcohol and drugs affect us all directly or indirectly. Many lives are lost daily because of substance misuse - auto accidents, failed health, crime and incarceration, homicides and suicides. Those left living are victims as well and many of these tragedies are avoidable.
I chose to walk more than 300 miles across Michigan not only to celebrate National Recovery Month, but to plant the seeds of sobriety throughout our communities and get the word out that help and hope are within reach!
I invite you to join me on this journey and check back to my blog for updates as I walk from Mackinaw City to Maplegrove Center in West Bloomfield. Together we can be a force for good, helping others to reclaim their lives through recovery.
My recovery began at Maplegrove and for that I will be forever grateful. My only regret, I wish I had come to Maplegrove sooner.
Alex Maysura
Henry Ford Health System's Maplegrove Center provides a full spectrum of substance abuse treatment and support services for people of all ages. If you or a family member is ready to take the first step toward recovery, call (248) 661-6100. To donate to the Maplegrove Patient Care Fund, visit www.henryford.com/giving.
Posted by mseyrig on 07/31/2008 at 5:39 AMAdd Comment
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/25/2008 at 3:45 AM Alex hope to see you at Maplegrove when you arrive. You're an inspiration. "One Day At A Time." Tom D.-Ferndale,MI.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/17/2008 at 7:40 PM Hi Alex, today is Sunday 8/17/08 and we have missed hearing from you. We pray that everything is OK with you. God speed. Diane and Jim
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/12/2008 at 11:30 AM Alex,I read about your walk in the paper this a.m. and I believe we worked at the same company years ago in New Hudson. I am happy you are in recovery and wish you the best. Helen W.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/12/2008 at 5:58 AM Keep up the good work Alex...just a comment on getting to recovery sooner. We get to recovery when we are supposed to.I, also thought that, but when i look back, i know that i wasn't readywhen i was younger. God Bless!!!
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/11/2008 at 7:44 PM Alex, your courage is amazing. I have been working with teenagers who are at Pathway Family Center in Southfield that are also in recovery. Your story, determination, humility and what you are giving back to celebrate recovery must be heard by those so young who also have a long road ahead of them. It would really be great to introduce you to some pretty courageous hard working kids. They would really appreciate you sharing your journey. From one Ukrainian to another, God Bless! Andrew L.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/11/2008 at 7:31 PM Alex, It would be great if on your way to Maplegrove, you can stop by Pathway Family Center in Soutfield, MI The teenagers there are also going through an intensive recovery program and would benefit greatly to hear how you are giving back.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/08/2008 at 8:20 AM Hi Alex, I am a staff member at Maplegrove and I want to thank you. I had a professor in college tell me that my goal should be to touch one person in my life. You have reached that goal for me by doing this walk, you are touching lives and funny thing about that is, you become more because of it. Enjoy the adventure! God Bless... Deb Gough, Maplegrove
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/07/2008 at 7:25 AM Alex, Where do you expect to be on Saturday, August 9 or Sunday, August 10? We are headed upnorth and would love to connect with you. Thanks for donating part of our summer to the families participating in the Maplegrove Children's Program Drug Free That's Me Summer Camp. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Betty C.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/06/2008 at 5:48 AM Alex, I am so happy and proud of you. What you're doing is so inspirational and I'm sure will touch many hearts. Congratulations on your sobriety and thanks for sharing. We're all behind you. Marika
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/05/2008 at 1:58 PM They say coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous"--another Ukranian recovering adult with a big heart that would offer a stranger a ride...? Thanks for all you are doing, KB
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/05/2008 at 1:11 PM Alex welcome home to Maplegrove. Your 300 mile journey is a short one compaired to how far you have travled in your recovery. I too started my new life at Maplegrove Aug.1988 yes 20 years this month. Until I entered the treatment program at Maplegrove I could never picture myself living thru torment and pain without turning to my addictions to soften the pain. Even today at times I have to refer back to what had learned while in house treatment there. The hills you have to climb are mountains.The stones you collect in your shoes are boulders. But the tools Maplegrove allowed us to carry with us makes these obsticals bearable. I praise the Doctors,Staff,Kitchen Help, other patients,AA,and my higher power any others that I have missed because they are the ones that showed us the right road to travel. Thank You Gene O aug,1988 20 years clean and sober
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/05/2008 at 6:20 AM Alex, How wonderful that you were able to find sobriety and turn your life around. I am very happy for you and proud of you. Take care in your journey home and God bless you. Diane Z.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/04/2008 at 11:34 AM Alex, Thank you for your advice and words of encouragement. You're a real inspiration, in so many ways. May God bless this amazing journey. Peace, Shelly
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/04/2008 at 8:35 AM Hello Alex, hope your walk will be meaningful to you at a deep, personal level. We recovering addicts (and our loved ones) would like to think that the solution to our disease progression is located in the treatment centers...and that somehow, if everyone knew about these wonderful treatment centers, we would see an outpouring of attention, funding, admissions and life long sobriety. However, that is a naive and limited viewpoint. The treatment centers do the best they can do with limited funds, staffing, time, and commitment. They are no more than reflective of our communities' perceptions of and commitment to our well being. We addicts are still perceived as "less than", even by those who get paid to help us. At this point in time, we make it or don't based upon what we do when we leave the Maplegroves. Our society is not yet fully committed to treating this disease; this, in spite of the fact that it is the number one health problem in our county. So, at this point in our history, we need to continue to support each other. Folks will talk about how they are proud of us and wish us well. We can and will organize fund raisers and seek to raise consciousness and diminish stigma. However, for now, only another addict will be willing to get his/her hands dirty doing the day-day work of supporting our recovery process. We are very fortunate that we have 12 Step programs that provide the structure to improve our ability to help each other. The goal of 12 Step programs is not to achieve a better marriage, better health, improved finances, a nicer car...these things may or may not happen. The goal is to achieve the 12th Step..to be better able to "..carry the message to other alcoholics..." Our entire society, including the treatment centers is involved in the "first step" process of coming to terms with this disease...and you know how the First Step goes, Alex...the lesson will keep being taught until it is learned and the learning will have to come from within... This note is sent, not to be cynical; I am a very grateful and optimistic recovering person. For me, my recovery is grounded in truth..no more delusions; our survival depends on that. Best wishes to you, brother, and to Maplegrove and all the other treatment centers...keep up the good work, one day at a time.
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/04/2008 at 5:23 AM Hey Alex, continuing to pray for you and your feet :>) Keep on keeping on! Kathy Walton
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/02/2008 at 10:17 AM Hi Alex! I'll be praying for your safety and for the fulfillment of your goals, buddy. If you are coming near Elk Rapids, Central Lake, Traverse City or other northwest Mich. locations, please call me. I'll come see you, feed you, and tell others what you're doing. Hugs, Lou
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/01/2008 at 1:55 PM we are all behind you Alex!!! Good luck and watch out for that puddle!!!! :) See u when u get back!
