Dakotah Sanders freely acknowledges that in the past he was many things – violent, untrustworthy, manipulative, self-centered, and a poor husband, father, son, brother and friend.
Today, however, Sanders is in long-term recovery and will share his story with a private group, as well as with the general public.
The private presentation is set for 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9. The public part of the event begins at 6:30 p.m. the same day at The Center for Counseling & Consultation’s Heritage Building, 1225 Patton. Seating is limited.
“Private participants will learn about my past with abuse and addiction,” Sanders said. “They also will hear about my recovery and the mindsets I developed along the way.
“The public will hear about my journey to become a published author and the self-limiting beliefs that had to be conquered to do what I am doing.”
One reason Sanders encourages addicts to participate in the event is because they often believe nobody understands what they are going through.
“This ideology is isolating in and of itself,” he noted. “If we stop to think about it, emotions are universal. We all experience hardship, adversity and sadness, for example. I invite you to consider that through suffering and resilience, we are all truly connected.”
Sanders works for Horizons Community Mental Health Center in Hutchinson as a peer-support specialist and mentor. In addition, he is a junior in a bachelor’s degree program, working toward his license for addiction counseling.
He scores 9 out of 10 on the Adverse Childhood Experience test. “My life experience has led me to advocating for people struggling with addiction and mental-health issues,” Sanders commented.
In his book, “Endure: To Suffer with Patience,” Sanders chronicles the life that led him “to seeking solace in the deceptive embrace of drugs to numb the searing agony inflicted by a troubled past. Each day was a precarious tightrope walk, while I navigated the minefield of a volatile household.”
Kevin Ford, The Center’s director of its Substance Use Program, encouraged clients and the public to mark the Sept. 9 event on their calendars.
“Dakotah can go a long way to reduce the stigma of substance use and help people understand that, while recovery is difficult, they can be successful,” Ford said. “We think he will relate well to his audiences as he tells his story.
“He also seems to be a very solution-based person who can offer guidance and advice that will resonate with those who participate in the event.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
