|
16 January 2006 East-West endorsement After reading an article in DDN, I thought perhaps you would like to include my letter in your magazine for the benefit of other readers. I am 49 yrs old have been using amphetamine (speed) since age 13. Also with the emergence of crack cocaine, I was using this also. I’ve been in prison a few times, and been to two rehabs, only to start using again within days. That was until I came across East-West Detox, which involves some initial counselling from Mike Sarson (East-West Detox co-ordinator) and then a trip to Thamkrabok, Thailand, which is a Buddhist monastery two hours drive north east of Bangkok. I underwent five days initial vomiting and herbal medicine throughout my stay there of seven weeks. (In all I vomited 25 times.) Then there is the spiritual aspect of being there: a part of me that was lost, my spiritual self has now been found and I now feel whole again, found through meditation, and spiritual discipline. I would recommend to anyone who is wanting to rid themselves of their addiction be it drugs, alcohol, even smoking, that Thamkrabok is the place to go. Steve West, Newbury ---oooOooo--- Letters 16 January 2006 ‘Mike Sarson has all the right credentials, a social worker, addiction counsellor, and years of experience in the field, but above all he has an intuitive quality together with great compassion and total dedication to his vision. This in turn motivates all who support and are involved with the ongoing work of East-West Detox.’ An Alternative Way Recently, I was fortunate to be present at the October East-West Detox road show and found the day both uplifting and informative. A mixed group of professionals working in the field of addiction, together with recovering addicts and some family members, were gathered in the beautiful surroundings of Winford Manor Retreat Bristol, to share a truly stimulating day. Winford Manor has been my spiritual home for many years and regularly hosts such events offering space and quiet in its lovely chapel, house and extensive grounds. It was good to be back again. Mike Sarson and his team have revolutionised the methods of detox and recovery by marrying East and West in a unique and positive way. People who are seeking recovery travel many miles to Thamkrabok, a Buddhist Monastery in the north of Thailand. For most of them this is a journey through unchartered territory and requires of them total commitment to change and a sincere wish to ‘let go’ to the process, and move forward to a life clean of drugs or other substances, to freedom. Everyone deserves a choice and this is exactly what is on offer. We were at Winford Manor to hear how the programme works, from Simon and others who had already made the journey. East-West Detox is a charity offering a unique, non medical treatment for individuals suffering with addiction. It allows westerners to experience the world renowned detox programme at the Thamkrabok monastery, where they have had a success rate of 70 per cent over the past 58 years. This speaks for itself and individual costs vastly undercut any in the West. Some may have seen the BBC documentary ‘kill or cure’ – the story of Simon and Rebecca, two young people desperate for recovery and a drug free life. Mike and his team support them from the beginning in the UK to the final process at the monastery in Thailand, where they both go through a complete life change. I have watched the film many times, each with renewed enthusiasm. Simon took us through his story of many years of addiction, to his final experience at Thamkrabok. He has no doubt that his chosen path is working for him. Dr Vanessa Crawford consultant psychiatrist and director of East London and City Specialist Drugs and Alcohol Addiction Services, spoke highly of the East-West Detox method of treatment. Mike and Vanessa held a comprehensive and informative question and answer session, and Vanessa fully endorsed the work: ‘I have great respect for the treatment… calmness of the surroundings, the positive wisdom of Buddhism and the importance of being entrusted with a vow, all add to the success’. I was interested to hear what she had to say, as I too felt that the initiation ceremony was what had first struck a chord for me, combined with the monks’ chanting to the drumbeat whilst herbal medicine is being administered. All addicts taking part in the process are requested to wear robes and take a vow to abstain from drugs for the rest of their lives. This ritual I feel works on all levels as it takes place in a sacred space. Not only is the body purged of all substances and toxins, the spirit is also cleansed – by all accounts a gruelling experience, but nevertheless liberating. It is also worth mentioning that there is no requirement of any religious belief. The five day detoxification period consists of taking herbal medicine and steam baths daily. I personally feel all the symbolism and ceremony adds to the path of change and movement from the old life to a new one. Louise, a good friend of mine gave a heart rending account of her son Charlie’s journey to recovery and Simon’s mother added her comments. This mixture of perceptions from all quarters helped those of us present to get a full picture. Mike Sarson has all the right credentials, a social worker, addiction counsellor, and years of experience in the field, but above all he has an intuitive quality together with great compassion and total dedication to his vision. This in turn motivate all who support and are involved with the ongoing work of East-West Detox. In conclusion I feel most disappointed for those who, in the light of the present recommendation from the NTA are unable to make the choice, between an alternative path with East-West Detox, which already has a high success rate, and the conventional route, which intends to increase the existing dose of methadone and abandon any counselling support. Surely everyone seeking recovery is entitled to a choice. I am so grateful to have experienced such a full and inspiring day. Many thanks to Mike, Nick and the team, James, and all at Winford Manor Retreat. Wendy Gregory, by email ---oooOooo--- The original article can be seen at http://www.drinkanddrugs.net/features/jan1606/letters.pdf |
|
|
| [Home] [Invitation] [In the Ring] [Library] [Five Precepts] [Directions] [Treatment] [Information] [Monastery Rules] [Tudong] |