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Dear friends and colleagues,

Are you woke?

This question has been on many people’s minds over the last few years. Some of us are trying to get woke, others think they already are, and some don’t want to be accused of it. Merriam-Webster defines woke as being “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues especially issues of race and social justice.”

Regardless of our individual relationship to the word, we can probably agree that awareness is usually a good thing. It’s also essential for making positive changes – at the societal level and in our own day-to-day lives. Awareness is a centerpiece of the stages of change theory, and it underlies many of the 12 steps of recovery. This might explain why we have so many awareness days, weeks and months.

In May alone, Fentanyl Awareness Day encourages us to wake up to the impact of fentanyl and opioids which are contributing to 136 deaths a day. Mental Health Month reminds us to prioritize and take care of our mental health. It turns out, these two issues are not unrelated.

But awareness, alone, is not enough. It’s what we do with our newfound understanding that counts. Our willingness to take the next step turns awareness into action and becomes a powerful force for change. Click here to learn about a few ways to turn your awareness into meaningful action.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, we can help. Contact us at susan@nextsteprecovery.com or 828-761-0722 to learn more about our intensive outpatient program, sober living community, and recovery services for men.

Warmly,
Susan Stader, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Founder and Director
Spotlight on Next Step Alumni: Will Mclaren
Will's recovery story:
Drugs entered my life at an early age, trauma even earlier. I abused chemicals and anything that allowed me to numb my existence. Eventually I checked into multiple outpatient programs, but nothing seemed to work. I felt stuck in an addictive mindset without drugs, yet still fighting 'life.' Once I was faced with the possibility of half a lifetime in prison, I had a brief second of clarity and my mind clicked. I wanted to change, and so checked into a rehab facility. Once there, I opened up and that worked for me. It changed me in a good way.

How Will came to Next Step:
I arrived at Next Step in 2013 and walked into my new life. It was strange at first, like a child testing his boundaries. They helped guide me into the 'real' world. Every morning I was instructed to make my bed, which was something I hadn't done since I was a teenager. It seemed like a small task, but yet so important. Next Step provided me with the tools to grow and progress in life; helping me to find a job, showing me how to have fun without substances, and teaching me how to make real true friends. They helped me the take initiative in learning how to live again.

Will's advice for addicts and their loved ones:
For the families and individuals that are struggling to stay clean: you have to be prepared to make big decisions in order to find your way to sobriety. I had to change everything. I moved repeatedly, a few times to a completely different state. I no longer talk to anyone that I associated with in that realm of destruction, and now have positive influencers to help hold me accountable. I stay busy with work and hobbies and surround myself with people that support and love me.
Register Now to Join Us at Golf FORE Recovery 🏌️⛳
Friday, October 14, 2022
Starting at 8am Eastern Time

36 Pink Fox Cove Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
We are really happy to bring our annual golf fundraiser back in 2022! All proceeds from the event support NSR of Asheville's scholarship fund.

All proceeds support NSR of Asheville's scholarship fund. NSR of Asheville is a non-profit organization for men in early recovery from substance use disorders. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, make sure to register as a single - that is where you will see the different options available.

Come out and play and support healthy families and communities in 2022!
Proceeds From the 2022 Asheville Half Marathon and 10K Will Benefit Next Step Recovery
The 9th annual Asheville Half Marathon and 10k begins and ends in Pack Square on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Starting at 7am, the course covers some of the best parts of Asheville.

The route runs through the Brewery District, then tours the Arts District, and then follows the French Broad River as it heads up north to Beaver Lake. Then it winds past the Grove Park Country Club, towards Weaver Park, and next to UNCA campus. Runners complete the course by taking Broadway Street back to downtown.

Proceeds from registration will go to benefit Next Step Recovery of Asheville.

Click here to learn more about the event, share it with your friends, or register to participate.

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