We hope all of you are healthy and weathering these “shelter at home” times. As we enter the second month of this, I suspect that the novelty of being home is wearing off, especially for those of us who are more outgoing (you can only do so many jigsaw puzzles). But let’s not let boredom or impatience or claustrophobia threaten the progress we’ve making. We can hold on a bit longer!

To date, we have not had any COVID-19 in our system, but we are being vigilant. We have a plan in the case that changes. We know that while this may be hard today, it will pass...

We don't expect we will see any less demand for alcohol, drug and/or gambling during or after the pandemic. Addiction may not be in the headlines right now, but it's still there… it’s always there. However, we don't say this with any sense of sorrowful resignation. On the contrary, we have the benefit of seeing “what can be.”

Project Turnabout has been working with individuals and families impacted by addiction for more than 50 years. That gives us sense of perspective. Just as we know that there are those struggling, we have witnessed countless people at all ages, from all backgrounds, who have had destructive bouts with addiction — but found the strength to do 180-degree "turnabouts” in their lives. They found the strength to go on to live a better life, unimpeded by addiction. This population not only believes, but thrives, on concepts like honesty, openness, willingness, and yes, gratitude.

That is what has driven us for 50 years and what drives us today. When we see a person dragged down and beat up by addiction, we can see underneath it. We can see what can be. That isn't based on hypothesis or a hope — it is based on experience. It’s based on statistics that show more than 23 million Americans are recovering from addiction — 23 million people who have shown the world that they are committed to sobriety.

No doubt, though, that these can be challenging times for people in recovery, who rely on the fellowship of other recovering people to support and recharge them. While our physical gatherings are prohibited, the liquor store doors are open, and too often society touts alcohol as a magical coping mechanism. But people in recovery are resilient. Most will get through this. It’s up to us and those around them to be there to pick them up. We are all in this together.

We will weather these times based on knowing what can be. We will hug our loved ones with the remembrance of a time when we couldn't or didn’t for fear of harming them.

Be well,

Project Turnabout