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By James Blears
Learning to keep the demons of drugs and alcohol or both combined into a toxic cocktail at bay, takes real, raw and constant courage, if you`re a recovering alcoholic or a drug addict.
Have a listen to the lyrics of John Lennon`s: “Cold Turkey.” It`s a crash course in reaching the brink of hell, from which addicts have to agonizingly drag themselves back from.
The first thing you notice on entering the door at Clinica Nueva Vida in Ecatepec, Estado de Mexico, is a large wall, with writing on it. Messages of hope and thanks, from people who have been helped, have recovered and are grateful for a new chance, a new life and fresh hope.
After six months of treatment Miguel Angel Gonzalez, great former WBC lightweight champion is today spending his first day with his family. At the ceremony to celebrate his successful treatment, his mother and father were there. So were his daughters Fernanda and Alejandra, who hugged him so tightly it was a squeeze, and told him how tremendously proud they are he`s fought so tremendously hard to overcome the addictions. The smile of sheer joy on his face was absolutely priceless.
World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman who helped Miguel Angel gain this treatment was there by his side. Mauricio said that life has its cycles and a new one full of hope is now underway.
Carlos Zarate, who was helped by Don Jose Sulaiman to overcome his additions was also on the podium. Here to support his friend. He said Miguel Angel his recognized the problem and dealt with it helped plus supported and had reached a turning point. Carlos said that with the love, help and support of his family he`s now seventeen years sober and it takes work to achieve.
Carlos Cuadras who himself battled drug and alcohol addiction and overcame it here said: “It was the hardest fight of my life to face up to and to overcome. It`s a constant battle. I`ve come back and spent days here with Miguel Angel, which is a great privilege and we`ve helped motivate the young people here.
“Alcoholism and drug addition is not an illness of boxers. These two things don`t distinguish at all throughout all of society, and for that reason we must be constantly alert. Sadly this illness isn`t completely curable. But it is possible for us to control and contain. For this reason, I`ve maintained contact and communication with folks here, as this is a day to day fight. It is a process of understanding how to prevent yourself and others from falling and relapsing. Being in a group is very important as we need to help each other. Don`t leave the group as other people help you a lot.”
Most of the people in Clinica Nueva Vida are considerably younger than Miguel Angel Gonzalez. They adoringly look up to him as a role model and a hero, and he didn`t disappoint them, himself saying he had a double responsibility to them, as well as recovering himself. Miguel Angel Gonzalez who`s helped with boxing training here, says he`s so glad that sport is back in his life. His ambition is to get back in top shape and spar an exhibition with Julio Cesar Chavez, saying it would be an honor and a pleasure, but ending in a draw, like they fought the first time around.
He also said: “I feel so much better. Alcohol and drug additions have been demons to overcome. It`s been hell. But, I`ve had time to reflect on many things of my life. You have to accept what is necessary. I`ve kept training, working and heard so many stories as well as life experiences here, for which I`m so very grateful. I`ve woken up with the courage and pride to recover. I thank the WBC and everyone here who`ve help me do this.”
Aaron Silva Director General of Clinica Nueva Vida said: “Miguel Angel is a person I very much respect. He`s an educated person, a gentleman, and a champion. Also, in his time here there`s not been one bad word of swear word from him. Thank you everyone for having confidence in us.”
The WBC plus all the reporters and photographers wish to thank the young people of Clinica Nueva Vida, who served us the most wonderful meal, with courtesy, kindness, and friendship. It was so very memorable.
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