Introduction
The battle against the disease of alcoholism has been led by many courageous people, some known and some lesser known. Their voices can offer us unique and powerful guidance and most importantly, a deep understanding of what the battle against alcoholism is all about.
The Stories of Recovery project is an effort to document these voices so we can learn from their experience and their convictions.
Interview with Bill Troy
Bill Troy was the substance abuse counselor for ConEd in Westchester. He was a co-founder and former president of Mid-Hudson ACA, the TMB Continuing Care Center, and the JRW Institute of Alcoholism Studies. He currently coordinates EAP programs for city of Yonkers and the Yonkers Board of Education, and is the Chairman of the National Certification Commission.
Interview with Louella Murphy
Louella Murphy worked 25 years in a non-medical detox center for Catholic Charities in Long Island. She was a charter member of the Long Island Alcoholism Counselors Association and remained active with the group as well as the New York state and national associations throughout her career.
Interview with James Devine
James Devine is a retired Lieutenant and former director of both the NYPD Counseling Unit and the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Eleven years after his own intervention, Jim was placed in command of the very Unit that was instrumental in saving his life, the NYPD Employee Assistance Program.
Interview with James Cusack
James Cusack is founder and chairman of Veritas Villa, a licensed residential treatment center for alcohol and drug abuse. In 1979 he called the first meeting of the Association of Addiction Recovery Care Homes in New York State, and was presented with the organization's "Founders Award" in 2006 in recognition for his continuing efforts to help people in recovery.
Interview with Stacia Murphy
Stacia Murphy is past-president of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), a non-profit organization that works to fight the stigma and disease of alcoholism and other addictions. She has worked in the field of alcoholism and addiction as an educator, administrator, community organizer and program developer.
Interview with Mickey Diamond
Mickey Diamond was not only a leader, but an innovator in the world of alcohol treatment programs in the workplace. In this interview he gives the viewer a small glimpse of his life story and into what it was like to be in the field in the early years of Employee Assistance Programs. Mickey died less than a month after this interview, he is sorely missed.
Interview with Donnie Perks
Donnie Perks is another important person in the development of union alcohol treatment programs, specifically with the Steam Fitters. In this interview he remembers his good friend Mickey Diamond and how the world has changed in its relationship to alcohol and alcohol treatment.