ROCKINGHAM — For alcoholics and drug abusers, a turning point in a life gone rock-bottom can sometimes lead to recovery.
For Robert Smith, it led to a life of lifting countless others out of the same dark spiral he barely escaped himself.
Smith, a Rockingham native, said that at age 25, he realized his drinking and drug use had gotten out of hand. He entered Samaritan Colony for an eight-week rehabilitation that changed his life for the better.
While there, he learned to practice a 12-step program he said helped him to understand he was dealing with a disease — not a bad habit — and it would require daily treatment.
Once he was clean and recovering well, Smith went to college, earned his degree and certificates needed to become someone who could help others suffering from addiction and alcoholism. Now 57, Smith is a substance abuse counselor at Samaritan Colony.
“I came through 32 years ago and got cleaned up,” Smith said. “At the time it was an eight-week program, but now it’s 28 days, like the movie.”
CAREER: “To go from being an individual who couldn’t help myself to a person who could be used to make a difference in other people’s lives. I certainly think I’m being used by God to make a difference.”
FAMILY: “My family has been very supportive of my recovery and very proud of the fact I am in the position to help others.”
COMMUNITY: “I would say that we do partner up with other agencies to get added services. I was volunteering at the homeless shelter before it burned. In the homeless population, we’re seeing a lot of mental health issues where people are winding up in jail and not getting the medical attention they need and deserve.”
WHAT MOTIVATES HIM: “It’s a journey, not a destination. Alcoholism, it’s a chronic illnesses, not a bad habit. And it needs daily treatment. What motivates me is the memory of how my life was at one stage in time and the change that’s taken place.
PROUDEST MOMENT: “When my daughter was born. Her birthday was the 22nd of this month.”
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: “My father who passed away last August. Then, two months later my brother died. Practicing the 12 steps helped me through my grief.”
HOW HE UNWINDS: “One thing I do, a hobby and passion of mine, is I buy and sell antiques and collectibles. Hence, my office.” (Smith’s office contains some of his favorite antiques.)
FUTURE GOALS: “What I want from the future is to continue to try to help the next person who is sitting down in front of me. I can’t think of any better goal for me.”
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin. Notable Neighbors is a series of personality profiles featuring Richmond County residents from all walks of life. Stories will appear in the Daily Journal on Thursdays and online at YourDailyJournal.com. To nominate a Notable Neighbor, email Corey Friedman at [email protected].
