SOBER SPOTLIGHT -Meet Joseph Conniff Author Of Causes And Conditions

August 24, 2021

Today we are shining a Sober Spotlight on Joseph Conniff. He recently published his first book called Causes and Conditions: A Life Experience in Addiction and Recovery. This book takes a comprehensive look at both his battles with addiction and his journey to find recovery. Through his sixteen years in active substance use, Joe takes us through his experience of growing up in the prescription opioid crisis, post 9/11 military life, and eventually homelessness and despair on the streets of Seattle.

This book offers a perspective into the author’s experiences with addiction, trauma, the criminal legal system, and programs and spiritual practices that led him to long-term recovery. Causes and Conditions is a first-hand account of what it takes to create an addict, and what it took for this one to find freedom.

Sober Spotlight Q&A with Joseph Conniff

What’s Your Fav NA Beverage?

That’s easy. Freewave Hazy IPA by Athletic Brewing Co. I also enjoy Ritual Whiskey Alternative. When I discovered both a year ago, it really helped normalize drinking for me and enjoy my recovery in social settings.

Sober Curator Pro Tip:

Our resident NA Beer Guru Justin Lamb whole-heartedly agrees with your choice of the Freeway Hazy IPA

#ADDTOCART ATHLETIC BREWING

Before writing your own book, what #Quitlit were you most inspired by?

The Globalization of Addiction – It’s not a fun book and it’s not a memoir. It’s much more medical and takes the time to pick apart different ideas on how addiction shows up in society and looks at the dislocation of what individuals end up being bi-products of a hyper fast-paced society.

What’s a piece of advice you would give someone new to sobriety?

Reflect on where you spend your time and who you spend your time with. Consider the five people you spend the most time with are who you will become.

How has recovery improved your career path?

I’ve become a Peer counselor in the drug diversion court which is the program that saved my life. Being in recovery opened a door to employment I never thought was possible again. I’m former military. It allows me to inspire hope and carry a sense of effectiveness that my program serves. It also gives me the capacity to understand what others are going through.

How do you practice self-care?

I typically start my day with meditation practice. I write. Writing is something that cultivates self-care. I practice yoga. Right before the pandemic started I sat in a 10-day silent retreat in the rural small town of Onalaska. Nine hours a day of meditation, walking mediation, no conversations, and sometimes minimal interaction with a teacher. The focus was refining my mindfulness practice, which is a very radical practice. It’s really useful for people in recovery. This is very applicable to recovery from anything, not just addiction. It’s really very interesting. It makes you re-look at how you speak, act, and engage with other people. Cultivate a space with yourself and how you think/feel.

Sober Curator Pro Tip: Joe was recently a guest at our SOBER POP Club on the Clubhouse App

Any advice for those that are new to recovering out loud, regardless of how much time they have in sobriety?

It’s good to really understand anonymity – what it is and what it isn’t. What is the intention for sharing? Is it prestige or is its interest in being helpful? (Be honest.)

 What’s a piece of advice you would go back and tell your newly sober self?

I would forgive myself sooner. I don’t like the word shortcomings. I’m great at forgiving other people but I’m always last on the list of forgiving myself. Self-forgiveness would be important to deepen earlier on.

Is there a Non-Profit that you support that really inspires you?

Therapeutic Health Services is where I did most of my outpatient treatment. I went from being a client to being an employee. Yoga Behind Bars is another great organization. I took yoga teacher training at the Recovery Cafe in early recovery and it helped me to understand the difference between being a white dude in recovery, navigating the criminal system, compared to what other people with different circumstances go through. Peer Washington is another great organization.

Do you have any guilty pleasures you can share with us?

I love a big bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I allow myself to engage in things without being critical of myself. This helps normalize my human experience. Some cravings are ok to give into. So much of recovery is about balance and moving away from extremes, No Bones Beach Club used to be my JAM in Ballard (fried food heaven)!!!

Have you had a significant, life-changing day in your recovery journey?

Yes. It was the day President Trump was elected. My father passed away that day. I was in my first year and a half of recovery. Everything in life felt like it was going to be unknown. Some people’s worst fears were coming true and then to receive an email from mom that my father had passed…the entire world shifted for me. It was a profound moment. The rubber really hit the road in my recovery journey at that point.

What’s on your Playlist right now?

How do you regularly practice mindfulness?

I try not to turn to my phone in the morning. I spend 20-40 minutes sitting on a cushion and yoga mat. Focusing on my breath and paying attention to my thoughts. I work on letting those go and just be. Addiction and alcoholism are the full flight from reality. It’s vital that I start off my day in recovery. I actually started it in jail before even getting “sober”. The capacity to sit in my own skin is the most centering thing.

Describe a Superhero you admire?

Someone who encourages people to get to know people with lived experience. You don’t need to be in recovery to be worthy of compassion and kindness. People everywhere are exhausted. People that are not getting the support and services they need. The community needs to come together and stop segregating. In the age of the ability to connect, we are so unconnected. The world could use more Superheros right about now.

Anything else you think our readers should know?

It’s all in the book!

SOBER SPOTLIGHT: This section of our site highlights extraordinary people in recovery. Sober small business owners doin’ their thing gives us all the feels. Who is making a difference in your recovery community? If you know someone we should spotlight please connect with us at [email protected] or DM us on social media. 

Resources are available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

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