fbpx

Author: Tom Bannard

Supporting a Loved One’s Recovery During the Holidays

by Tom Bannard, CADC, MBA

As Thanksgiving approaches, we in the recovery community have so much to be grateful for, but this season can also be challenging for many in recovery and their families. Twelve years ago, my family choose to cancel their holiday celebrations to visit me in a rehab facility. I am so grateful they chose to fight my disease with love and support.

Many of our Rams in Recovery and others in the Recovery Community will be celebrating their first or second holiday season as people in recovery which presents unique challenges and opportunities.

For some, connecting … Read more...

Putting love first will help our communities recover

by Tom Bannard

I want to tell you a little bit about my father. My father is a quiet, consistent loving man, who has been teaching for the last 48 years and doesn’t show any signs of loving it any less. My father, more than any other person, led me to recovery.

A little more than ten years ago, I sat across from him at the kitchen table. Due to my addiction, I had just been arrested on felony charges, I was in serious personal danger, and I had dropped out of school. All this had transpired in less than … Read more...

Resources and actions to take for families with an addicted loved one

Tom Bannard & Chris Baker
Tom Bannard & Chris Baker

Note from Anne Moss: While some of this post is focused on resources in Richmond, VA, a lot of it can be useful info no matter where you live.

Today’s guest post is from Tom Bannard, CADC, MBA, the Administrative Director for COBE and Program Coordinator for Rams in Recovery at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a person in long term recovery.

Tom is a board member of the JHW Foundation and Co-Founder of the Family Education Program, a free, weekly, education focused group for family members of people struggling with substance use disorders. The … Read more...