RiverEdge18_FoundationReport_8.FINALpdf

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A MOTHER’S LOVE THE STORY OF DORIS ADAMS RAMSEY Not much is stronger than a mother’s love, but when it comes to substance use disorder, love, unfortunately, isn’t always enough. Doris Adams Ramsey knows this all too well, but she found hope and help at River Edge Behavioral Health. Doris and her first husband, Robert, raised their five children in downtown Macon in the 1960s and 70s. Robert, a successful business owner, was also a hands-on father who often took his children out for walks while Doris prepared their dinner. When her children were older, Doris took over the tile and flooring portion of her husband’s business. If you were to spend any amount of time in the Adams home, you’d see a loving, organized mother and a hardworking, doting father. “I lived in a lovely home that was orderly. We sat down to dinner together. Everything looked great. But then – you know – the disease happened. And it affected us in different ways.” Of the five Adams children, three have a substance use disorder, a biologically-based brain condition that affects 1 in 7 Americans who drink or use drugs. “Regardless of the addiction, I think my children are good people,” Mrs. Adams-Ramsey said. Research indicates the disease runs in families and can be passed down from generation to generation. According to the American Psychological Association, at least half of a person’s susceptibility to substance use disorder can be linked to a genetic factor. During the throes of her children’s substance use, Mrs. Ramsey turned to tough love – and River Edge – often. “I’ve done things I never thought I could do,” she said. “River Edge has meant so much to our family through the years. There was nowhere else to turn.” Doris said she supports River Edge because she believes its plays a vital role in the health of Georgia residents. “I want to help “... love, unfortunately, isn’t always enough.” River Edge because I think it’s serving a tremendous need in the community,” she said. “It has saved our family so many times.” 6 RIVER EDGE FOUNDATION | 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
GETTING HIS LIFE BACK THE STORY OF JOHN ADAMS Substance use disorder is a thief that can rob a person of his family, career, and hobbies, but that’s not how the story has to end. John Adams is proof treatment works and recovery is to be expected. John was introduced to alcohol when he was in high school. Though he functioned normally into adulthood, alcohol remained a fixture in his life for years. “I could have a few drinks and be fine, and I was able to do that socially. Although looking back now I see how the disease progressed. It progressed a lot faster than I could admit,” John said. Growing up, John had an idyllic childhood. He and his four siblings were raised by two loving parents who owned a successful business. He attended a respected private school. “Our home was like ‘Leave it To Beaver,’” John said. “Everything looked great, but then the disease happened.” After graduating from college, John returned home, took over his family’s business, and started a family of his own. He eventually earned his master’s degree in psychology and moved to Athens with his wife and two children. “Everything was going along well,” he said. “I had it all.” But it wasn’t long before his social drinking evolved. John began drinking at work, and he started using cocaine. His wife eventually asked for a divorce. “I drank and drugged myself out of my marriage,” he said. “And I don’t blame her. I would have divorced me, too.” According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., 1 in every 12 adults – or more than 17 million people – abuse alcohol or have alcohol dependence. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. John’s drinking and drug use went on for years. “I wasn’t ready,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m not one of those people,’ even though I knew so much about alcoholism, because I’m a licensed counselor. But when you’re in your disease, you don’t see it,” he said. He quit his job and began drinking, alone, around the clock. “The isolation is what drove me to treatment,” he said. “After a year or so of total isolation, I couldn’t take it. I was tired. I was worn out just trying to hold it together.” John went to a treatment facility “Everything looked great, but then the disease happened.” that introduced him to a 12-step program. “I admitted that I was an alcoholic. I believe River Edge is valuable to the community because it’s where many people are introduced to a 12-step program,” John said. “I’ve been successful in my sobriety because I’ve been active in a 12-step program.” Substance use disorder might have changed the story of John’s life, but today, he is writing a new one. He is celebrating more than three years of recovery, attends regular 12-step meetings, and helps others on their journeys to recovery. John has reconnected with his family and is enjoying hobbies, such as horseback riding, that were once impossible because of his disease. “My life could not be better,” he said. RIVER EDGE FOUNDATION | 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 7
Page 1 and 2: Moving Forward RIVER EDGE FOUNDATIO
Page 3 and 4: RIVER EDGE FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUS
Page 5: MOVING FORWARD, GIVING THANKS JOEL
Page 9 and 10: SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION River Edge F
Page 11 and 12: RIVER EDGE FOUNDATION would like to
Page 13 and 14: Lisa Roberts Wesley Thomas Antiwan
Page 15 and 16: RIVER EDGE FOUNDATION CONSOLIDATED

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