It is a great honor to introduce myself as the Executive Director at Webster Place. The program we are offering will enhance the quality of life and impact economic and social welfare in the state of New Hampshire in ways that can not be measured. Alcoholism and chemical dependency are insidious diseases that tear away at the very fabric of life as we know it. The spiritual, emotional and physical costs are beyond measure and the moral and value compromises associated with the illness sadden even the most hardened souls.

In my over twenty years of caring for alcoholics and addicts I have always held firm in my belief that I was dealing with sick, not bad people. I have always believed that addiction was a treatable disease and that time away from the substance and the associated lifestyle was the greatest treatment intervention. I have seen thousands of alcoholics and addicts entrusted to my care develop the attitude adjustment and spiritual awakening necessary for recovery and I have an unwavering belief that the power to stay sober lies with the practice of one alcoholic/addict sharing with another alcoholic/addict. I believe that there is not a spiritual aspect to recovery but that recovery is a spiritual journey and that the alcoholic/addict find recovery when they become willing to engage in a thorough self examination. I can say with a great degree of confidence that the 12 Steps are not a concept; they are a way of life. I have watched those who practiced these 12 Step principles become productive, decent citizens who carry themselves with dignity.

I have attempted to practice these principles in all of my affairs since November 29, 1984 and live by certain slogans that exemplify what recovery means to me – Don’t drink, don’t think, and go to meetings. Put yourself in position for good things to happen and they will. Cease to be grateful, cease to be sober. Have I been perfect in this? Not by any stretch of the imagination, but, the quality of my life and that of those around me has improved in ways none of us could have ever imagined. As I am often apt to say “who has life better than me?”

I am humbled to be able to work for each and every one of you who believe they may have a problem with alcohol and drugs or those family and friends who must stand by and observe those that use them. My commitment to you is that I will strive to offer the highest level of caring and compassion in an environment that respects individual needs and allows recovery to occur with dignity and respect. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and encourage you to contact me at any time. God Bless.

John K