"Recognise, Reflect, Respect Program"

I have been fortunate to be included in the Men's Behaviour Change program "Recognise, Reflect, Respect" (RRR) secondary to attending the Lives Lived Well Day Program. My relationship with my wife had suffered significantly as a result of my drug and alcohol abuse. While the Day Program helped me address the issues that were at the heart of my substance abuse, attending the RRR group helped me unpack and understand aspects of my behaviour that contributed to my substance abuse, but also were toxic to my most valued partner. Issues that while using I was unable to identify. I learned that understanding myself was key in finding a path out of my misery. I could only see my own pain and was totally unaware how damaging my behaviour had become to those people who actually held my best interest at heart.

Attending this group allowed me to view things without having to ascribe blame on anyone, including myself. The course co-ordinators were friendly, open, and invited frank discussion and there has never been any hint of judgement coming from them. I always felt supported and understood, even when discussing my personal life in detail that I could have never shared, even with the closest of my friends.

There is a genuine atmosphere of wanting to help, to shine a light on my difficulties, and expose them as not being beyond help. I was more than a little concerned that enrolling in such a program regarding the stigma associated with why I ended up there seeking help. The co-ordinators are very discreet and mindful when the group is discussing particularly sensitive topics. I have come to have a better understanding of not only myself, but why I did what I did, and "looked in the mirror", uncovering parts of me in the shadows that I didn't like. Face these parts of me that were causing my grief, and take them on, all without any trace of guilt or shame. The only regret I have is that 10 weeks pass so fast, and I wish I could enroll for a second round. Based on my experience, if you're thinking that this maybe useful to look into, all I can say is stop thinking about it. Sign up!