Q&A with CEO of Social Model Recovery Systems, Bruce Boardman

STICK WITH THE WINNERS!

June 2, 2021 – Bruce Boardman is the Chief Executive Officer for Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS). With over 30 years of service to SMRS, he has been responsible for the development and expansion of the organization. Mr. Boardman has held a multitude of positions within SMRS with his primary emphasis on management.Initially, he was educated as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor at Glendale Community College, upon completion he took a position with SMRS. Mr. Boardman has subsequently furthered his education with certifications from UCLA as a Dual Diagnosis Specialist as well as the USC Treatment of Clients with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. Mr. Boardman completed his Bachelor’s degree in business and is currently working toward a Master’s. Amongst his peers, he is recognized as a pioneer in the field of co-occurring disorders treatment.

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your Drug of Choice? and when did you stop using?
A. I am in long term recovery, alcohol and stimulants were my drugs of choice, primarily meth amphetamine and alcohol at the end. My sobriety date is January 22, 1990.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice or a wicked twist of fate?
A. Addiction is a disease, I believe for some the beginning is brought on by their social surroundings and over exposure to drugs and alcohol.

Q. Do you log on to ZOOM 12-step meetings? How often? Do you share?
A. I am not overly excited about Zoom 12 step. I have made the adjustment and attend a men’s meeting regularly with a person I sponsor. We all share at this meeting, and it is a book study. I am looking forward to getting back to in person meetings.