Richelle Cordes

Who is Richelle:  Mother, Business Owner, Healer and Recovery Support.  She has been a beacon of hope for many and carries her torch proudly for others in need.

Sober Date: 09-19-2017

When did you know that you were an addict?

I knew pretty early on. I went to my first 12 step meeting at 16. I literally had my first experience with driving while intoxicated in Driver’s Education class. For me, my illness was progressing quickly. Alcohol turned into other drugs rapidly for me.

What are the most helpful things for your own recovery?

I utilize a LOT of tools. I work a 12 step program that puts service work at the forefront of life. Helping people makes me feel better about my own circumstances. Stoned Sober is also a huge part of my sober support. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Reiki and meditation, they changed my life. I think that advocacy is SO IMPORTANT to help people find out how to live their best lives. Recovery looks different for everyone – we have to stay open minded.

What is the hardest part about maintaining your sobriety?

For me, it’s maintaining balance. I can do really great for an extended period of time, but I have a tendency to let one thing slip, and then another until I’ve lost anything that looks like what I would call “emotional sobriety”. It’s not just about not drinking or using anymore. It’s about utilizing the tools I’ve been given. Maintaining that is difficult, but the longer I am sober, the longer I have genuine periods of pure “emotional sobriety”.

Do you have any suggestions for atheists who are hesitant to try AA ?

There are some fantastic groups for Secular A.A. and if you’re willing to be open minded to the process, I think anyone can find recovery in the rooms of a 12 step program. I think that what they say is true though – one size doesn’t fit all. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable somewhere, it’s important to seek other options.

Do you have any advice for someone who is either thinking of getting clean, or newly sober?

Don’t give up! It didn’t happen the first time for me… or the 5th time! I had to keep trying. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

Be open to new ideas. We can’t open new doors with old keys. It takes trying some new things in order to get new results. I know it can be scary, but do it scared. That’s the definition of courage.

What about cannabis use in AA?

The Third Tradition is clear, the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. There is a pamphlet called The A.A. Member-Medications and Other Drugs and it states, “It becomes clear that just as it is wrong to enable or support an alcoholic to become re-addicted to any drug, it’s equally wrong to deprive any alcoholic of medication, which can alleviate or control other disabling physical and/or emotional problems.” I interpret that to mean that if my doctor and I are of the same agreement, it’s considered an outside issue. Cannabis is harm reduction for some and medication for others.

How did Stoned Sober start?

A woman started Stoned Sober and Esther and I were pretty active members. At the time there were only about 250 members. The original member relapsed and asked EJ to be the new admin and she asked me to help. Just like that, Stoned Sober has grown into what it is today.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an energy healing that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and increases spiritual growth. I had a client best describe it as, “a massage for the soul”. It helped me find my center. Reiki has become a way of life for me.

What’s next for you?

I’m doing some teaching for meditation and grief. That has been super rewarding and I’ve met some fantastic people along the way.
I’m interested in becoming an end of life doula. That is something that I’m looking to add to my repertoire as I move towards a more shamanic way of life.

If you would like more information about Richelle or any of her practices and businesses she can be found on Facebook:

Richelle Renee Reiki Practitioner
or through the Stoned Sober page.

WE RECOVER!