Since 2017, the Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction has given communities across the country a place to grieve those lost to substance use disorder, celebrate people in recovery and raise money for prevention, advocacy and treatment access. Organized by the national nonprofit Shatterproof, the walks carry a message of hope for the more than 48 million Americans living with substance use disorder.
La Shaun Rickman brought that same spirit of hope to this year’s walk. Representing the Recovery Cafe Network, which counts one of the first recovery cafes in Illinois among its members, Rickman is focused on meeting people where they are and giving them the support they need to heal. She believes recovery is possible, overdose is preventable and no one should be judged for asking for help. Her approach is rooted in lifting others up, teaching instead of judging, and helping members grow into leaders. For Rickman, the greatest strength comes from knowing she made a difference in even one life.
Could you state your name and who you represent?
La Shaun Rickman. I’m here on behalf of the Recovery Cafe Network. We are one of the first recovery cafes in the state of Illinois.
What brought you to the Shatterproof Walk today and what does being here mean to you?
What brought me here was the Midwest Catalyst, Miss Jasmine. She is here to represent the Recovery Cafe Network. I’m here on behalf of the state of Illinois, knowing that recovery is possible, overdose is preventable, and help is here. Help is available. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Each one should teach one, not judge one, but save one.
What do you wish more people understood about addiction?
I wish they understand that addiction is a disease. It can be curable. You’re in control of it. It’s not in control of you. For some things, it’s manageable with medications. And individuals should not stigmatize nor be judgmental when it comes to the disease of addiction.
What has this journey taught you about strength, healing and recovery?
That’s one of our mottos. The motto is to provide some form of hope, healing, love, but accountability. So therefore, meeting the individuals where they are, being able to provide them with the necessary services that they need and to bring members to become leaders.
What does it mean to see so many people come together around this cause?
That hope is available, services are available, and individuals know that they are not alone.
What would you say to someone who’s struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is?
Help is here. If you’re still using, overdose is preventable, but you have to be the one willing to change in order for the change to occur.
One word that represents hope to you.
Life.
What gives you strength on a difficult day?
Knowing that I made a difference in one individual life.
Finish this sentence: Today I’m walking for…
Recovery.
To learn more about the Recovery Cafe Network’s work, read Healing in community: Conversations with women leaders in recovery.