July 2, 2019

The Artist’s Corner is a new weekly feature of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin. We send our participants forty questions and ask them to choose twenty they would like to answer. It includes a short profile and a link to their website. We hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin or its staff.

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PROFILE

With over twenty years of experience, Wendy Adamson is a seasoned professional in the field of mental health and substance abuse. She not only has a vast knowledge of addiction, but as a sober woman, she has a deep understanding of the recovery process as well. Wendy received her Certification in Alcohol & Drug abuse from UCLA in the mid-nineties and has been helping individuals who are suffering ever since. Wendy is also a published author with  articles in the Huff Post, Singular Magazine and the Fix.com. In May, Wendy’s debut memoir, Mother Load was released, that shares her own struggles, hitting rock bottom and her ultimate recovery. Wendy has told her stories on stage, on the radio and leads several creative writing groups in Los Angeles.

https://wendyadamson.com

https://www.facebook.com/wendy.adamson.12

Mother Load: A Memoir of Addiction, Gun Violence & Finding a Life of Purpose

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your DOC and when did you discontinue its use?
A. My DOC was initially heroin but it progressed until I was using just about anything I could get my hands on. 

Q. Which film have you watched the most?
A. Lord of the Rings or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?
A. Ringo Starr for his philanthropy

Q. Where do you go to ‘get away?
A. Ojai, the mountains or anywhere I can be surrounded by nature.

Q. How do you measure success?
A. I measure success by my sobriety, peace of mind and the ability to be present for my children.   

Q. What is your current hobby?
A. Writing, dancing and hiking 

Q. What prominent fe/male figure would you most like to meet?
A. Keanu Reeves for his commitment to philanthropy.

Q. What is your favorite: TV/cable/digital series?
A.  Fleabag currently

Q. What is your favorite: Band/composer/musical artist?
A. The Beatles, Elton John and Bob Dylan

Q. Have you ever been arrested and, if so, what for?
A. There is not enough room here to list all my arrests.

Q. Do you have any children? Grandchildren?
A. 2 sons and 4 grandchildren

Q. What’s your favorite NPR radio show?
A. The Moth

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A. Be kind as you never know what someone is going through.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, a disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?
A. A disease, but the way I used was directly linked to my unresolved trauma. 

Q. What are five things you always carry with you?
A. Higher Power, iPhone, keys, lip gloss and water 

Q. What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
A. Putting Mother Load out in the world for anyone to read my worst moments. 

Q. Would you like to share a favorite quote?
A. “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”

Q. What is the proudest moment in your life?
A. My sobriety date: 11/11