Dear Friends of Freedom Institute...

One of the many of characteristics of recovery is the search for a state of equilibrium or balance. In this time of presidential transition and global unrest, we may experience moments of feeling fearful and insecure about our future. Our economy is "acting out" with radical moves in the stock market, while daily headlines speak of violence and addiction. Many of us take actions in an effort to help us navigate these changing economic, political, and social environments. We want to regain a sense of balance in our daily affairs.

At Freedom Institute, we go beyond the concept of physical balance to address our state of emotional equilibrium. We know that recovery, both from dependence and/or codependence, takes a physical toll on us. After months, and sometimes years of recovery, our bodies settle into a state of balance and we begin to feel better physically. We enjoy the freedom from hangovers, both ours and of those close to us. Still, we may find that we are not yet enjoying our recovery. We may have achieved physical balance, surrendering the use of alcohol, drugs, or addiction to the behaviors of another person, but we lack emotional balance.

This integrated approach has always dominated the recovery process at Freedom Institute. We know that addiction takes many forms and that most people come to us with multiple dependencies. We often uncover them one at a time. Sometimes we must address several addictions at once so that one area of acting out does not trigger another. It is often the case that after several years of recovery from substances, the chemically dependent person discovers that s/he has all of the character traits of a codependent person when it comes to establishing and maintaining close relationships.

On a deep and personal note, it is with a very heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Medical Director for the past 25 years, Dr. Ted E. Becker, or, as he was know to us, "Ted". Ted's passing is definitely a test of our ability to find comfort in self-regulation and to find our own emotional balance. Ted, we will always love you.

Warm Regards,

Anita Ronis, LMSW, CASAC
Executive Director