Inspiration for Recovery
The story of outfielder Josh Hamilton, a promising young ballplayer whose career almost came to an end because of an addiction to drugs and alcohol, is truly inspiring. Hamilton ultimately left professional baseball for several seasons while he tried, sometimes unsuccessfully, to battle his personal demons and undergo treatment for his addictions. He credits his faith in God for ultimately helping him overcome his troubles, return to the sport he loves and remain sober for the past five years.
Two years ago, Hamilton demonstrated his recovery on a national stage when he hit 35 home runs during the 2008 All-Star Game Home Run Derby, the second most in derby history. He has been named to the American League All-Star Team for the past three years straight and is expected to win this year’s American League MVP award.
Never shying away from his past, Hamilton has made a point to use his success as an opportunity to share his personal story of faith and redemption and set himself as an example of the power we all have to turn our lives around through hard work and a strong heart. He represents the kind of life changes Volunteers of America works to foster every day in dozens of treatment programs all across the country.
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, and this month in particular we pay tribute to those who Volunteers of America has helped to build successful, happy lives by overcoming their addictions. Our organization is a leader in providing treatment services and offers supportive and residential treatment options to help adolescents, adults and their families to experience life without addiction and to become contributing members of their community.
Josh Hamilton’s level of success is unusual, but it shows the potential in all those battling addiction to embrace recovery and accomplish something extraordinary.