Unraveling the Journey of Recovery
In his poignant memoir, Broken, published in 2006, William Cope Moyers candidly recounts his harrowing battle with crack cocaine addiction and the arduous path to recovery he traversed. This powerful narrative not only highlights his near-fatal struggle but also stands as a testament to the possibility of rehabilitation. As a result, Mr. Moyers emerged as a national advocate for treatment and recovery, inspiring countless individuals grappling with addiction.
However, the journey to sobriety was not a linear path. In 2012, while sharing his story of hope and resilience with audiences nationwide, Mr. Moyers faced an unexpected challenge. Following a dental procedure, he was prescribed an opioid painkiller, which, unbeknownst to him, would reignite his addiction. What began as a simple pain management solution spiraled into a new dependence, leading him down a dark road once again.
In his latest work, Broken Open: What Painkillers Taught Me About Life and Recovery, he delves into the complexities of this new addiction, detailing his struggle to regain control even as he engaged in the very recovery practices that had once saved him—attending 12-step meetings, fervently praying, and employing various strategies cultivated over decades of recovery.
In a recent conversation, Mr. Moyers openly discussed his ongoing battles with addiction and the profound insights he has gleaned from his experiences. Currently, he serves as the vice president of public affairs at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to addiction treatment, headquartered in Minnesota.
The Setup for Your New Book
Mr. Moyers reflects on a time when he seemed to have it all figured out. “In the ’80s and early ’90s, I was deeply entrenched in substance abuse—specifically crack cocaine and alcohol. My life was a tumultuous downward spiral until I finally hit rock bottom. From that abyss, I climbed back up, crafting what many viewed as a remarkable story of redemption. I became a national recovery advocate, proudly sharing my journey. I was blessed with a loving wife and three children, and I resided in a charming home in Saint Paul. I felt comfortable in my own skin, embodying the ideals of success that others aspired to achieve. But the question remains: what’s wrong with that?”
