Personal Journeys » Doug’s Story

Personal Journeys

Doug's Story

Creative Living

What do you do if you are a recovering drug user and your doctor says it is time for a blood draw? Your past injection drug use was so intense, you fear the needle in your arm will trigger your cravings, cause a relapse and end months of sobriety. This was the high stakes problem faced by Doug Weatherbee, a service recipient at CHOICES Townley Clinic; the problem needed a solution.

Doug and his case manager, Karen Jensen, are a problem solving team. Together they developed a plan to have the blood draw on a Friday afternoon, after which Doug would go directly to a substance abuse support group to talk about his feelings. They also knew the long week-end could threaten Doug’s sobriety. To fill the week-end with positive activities, Doug arranged to spend it at his brother’s home where he would be surrounded with acceptance and love. Doug says, “I used to be a really big burden on my family; now I accept their love and I love them back.” The plan worked. Doug didn’t relapse.

Karen continues to be a resource for Doug as a problem solving partner for ordinary problems of life  and  for big problems should they arise.  He says, “Karen is a good fit for me; she gives me wise advise.” With a smile and his wry sense of humor he adds, “She kind of looks like my mother.” Karen responds with an warm smile that says she agrees their relationship works well.

Doug’s on-going recovery allows him to express his creativity through music and painting. He recently re-assembled his band for jam sessions and occasional gigs. He plays guitar and is joined by a drummer and a bass player. He says his music is increasingly coming to him from beyond himself, that it easily flows through him and he imagines “sounds of hope going out to the entire universe.”

Painting is another of Doug’s creative expressions. He paints with acrylics on canvas and expands to multi-media with the use of stones and oils. Doug volunteers, leading art groups at CHEEERS peer run recovery center. He motivates participants to try painting and he encourages them to use it to express their feelings and ideas.

Doug is doing much more than playing his guitar and painting; he is practicing the art of creative living.