Jim Recktenwald

Bio: James (Jim) F. Recktenwald  3 First Ave. Dwale, Ky. 41621 
Phones: 606-874-2008 home, 606-226-2008 cell, 606-788-6609
Principal E-dresses mijsold@hotmail.com, or onceadrunk@yahoo.com, or Jim.Recktenwald@ky.com
Avocation: Working to make the processes of addiction and recovery intelligible to those who have it, to those who love persons with addiction, and to policy makers seeking to address the problem of addiction in a responsible way.  In this, there is little that can be called altruistic--I am simply trying to make the world safer and more open for me and mine.
Central beliefs: Everyone has purpose.  Good invariably arises from every circumstance and event.  No one chooses to be ill.  Believing in evil wastes energy better used for good. Violence is always counterproductive. People may best promote the common good by supporting a political agenda that does the best for most.  God's ends are never served by political agendas. 
History: Sixth child, last son, in a family of seven.  Raised Catholic.  Graduated Loyola U. of Chicago with BA in Philosophy (Classics).  Learned carpentry to have a way of making a living.  Married and divorced, have two wonderful daughters.  Began to work in the field of addictions in 1973, when I was yet using and getting sicker, myself.  In trying to find help for a family member--I found help for me in 1980.  Have practiced in every melieu and modality.  Now, working with men and women who have abuse histories and persons with traumatic brain injury--all of whom are trying to come to terms with addiction issues.
Professional credientials: CADC, MSW.
Hobbies: candlemaking, woodwork, writing.
Personal goal:  I have been a conscientious objector all my life.  I would like to become a pacifist.