Today I Have Hope: Addiction & Recovery | Alfred Clapp | TEDxStroudsRun

[@michelekhayes]

Alfred - thank you for sharing your story.

[@beardedcracker235]

Alfred is one of the most loving people I've ever came in contact with through out my life he has helped me to see change is possible and just make it happen without having him there I don't think I'd made it the other side. The world needs more men like Alfred. I have no words to say how thankful I am that I've been blessed to met this man I love ya buddy.

[@wiccansita]

What were the meetings he referenced? Is there a website for others to join?

[@beardedcracker235]

Besides AA or NA meetings I'm not sure what your asking about. As far as a website they have one showing every local meeting in the area and only requirement for membership is being sick and wanting to get better. Sometimes just being sick is enough and the rest will follow.

[@tekirkanat]

I delayed watching the video until I found a suitable time and place because I knew that I would cry :) Thank you for sharing your story. It was great to see you and your wonderful kids again, too! I wish we could spend more time with you.

[@RockwellDulcimer]

powerful -- true -- satisfying -- and hopeful!!!! Thank you Alfred!!!!

[@shorrtiewilliams4522]

i like to listen to people and see what they was going through when they had to recovery and get there selfs together. And i love the fact that im learning alot about recovery and how it treats you so well and i love the fact it is a vwey good thing that im very learning from

[@TheOriginalMrBadaBing]

A part of vs apart from is definitely a concept I have in common with Alfred, and my addiction only exacerbated the feelings of isolation, loneliness etc. - in fact it forced me to isolate, this proving to myself I was apart from, just in case anyone should get too close and try to love me. Reverting to my shame, and hiding behind my addiction was like a manifest destiny, always keeping the world at an arms length because the world wasn’t safe to be around. No one cared if I was okay, if they hurt me - in fact, several people went out of their way to hurt me. So, how could I trust anyone?

[@dimitarkostov8301]

That was a very powerful speech. What shook me was your metaphor with the 'Life Book' - something which I could completely relate to growing up and which had its toll on me as a teenager. Thank you for reassuring me that a person can always connect with the world if he or she makes the first step.

[@HardcoreRecovery]

We are never alone! Great story, it's been a rollercoaster lately and videos like this do help.

[@zayneharbison]

Powerful stuff!

[@tamarahbernixe]

All the little people in the front ❤❤❤