William Cope Moyers: A Voice of Recovery Advocacy
William Cope Moyers, the son of former White House press secretary Bill Moyers, has spent over three decades focused on his recovery journey. In his bestselling memoir, “Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption,” Moyers detailed his struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine in his 20s and early 30s. Today, as the vice president of public affairs and community relations for Hazelden Betty Ford, Moyers is a nationally recognized voice of recovery advocacy, inspiring audiences with his story.
Despite his long-standing commitment to recovery, Moyers faced a new challenge in 2013 when he found himself struggling with an addiction to opioid-based pain medication following dental surgery. In his latest memoir, “Broken Open: What Painkillers Taught Me About Life and Recovery,” Moyers opens up about his battle with addiction and his decision to use the opioid agonist Suboxone to manage his cravings.
Overcoming Shame and Embracing Authenticity
Moyers’ journey with painkiller addiction was marked by secrecy and shame. He struggled to reconcile his love for recovery with his inability to break free from the grip of pain medication. Despite his public advocacy for recovery, Moyers found himself living a double life, grappling with the stigma of addiction while maintaining his public persona.
Acknowledging his struggle with pain meds as an addiction was a pivotal moment for Moyers. He realized that his recurrent use of the medication went against the principles of sobriety he had embraced for years. Coming to terms with his addiction meant confronting his perfectionism and accepting his vulnerabilities.
A New Perspective on Recovery
As a Baby Boomer in the recovery community, Moyers recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals who have been in recovery for decades. The aging population of recovering individuals is navigating new obstacles, such as health issues and life transitions, that can trigger addictive behaviors.
Moyers’ decision to share his story reflects his commitment to authenticity and growth. By addressing his struggles with pain medication, infidelity, and heartache, Moyers reveals the complexities of recovery and the ongoing journey towards self-discovery and healing.
In his evolving role at Hazelden Betty Ford, Moyers continues to advocate for innovative approaches to recovery, including the use of FDA-approved medication like Suboxone. He emphasizes the importance of investing in one’s individual recovery account, a metaphor for the resources and support systems that sustain individuals in their journey towards sobriety.
By confronting his past struggles and embracing his vulnerabilities, Moyers demonstrates that recovery is a continuous process of self-discovery and resilience. Through his memoir and advocacy work, Moyers aims to destigmatize addiction and inspire others to seek help and support in their own recovery journeys.