Redefining Recovery | Tom Gill | TEDxRutgers

They say recovery is a gradual process; change doesn’t happen overnight. In his moving talk, Tom shares the tumultuous journey of a recovering addict and how small steps to reach out made a big impact in his perspective of the world.

Tom Gill spent many years of his life in despair, trapped by the throes of addiction to substances. Through a series of revelations and willingness to accept outside help to overcome his struggles, Tom was able to overcome these impediments and is now on the road to success. He attributes his change to outside help and escaping his own thoughts by reaching a hand out to those struggling. He hopes to offer others a way out by sharing his experience. Still a thrill seeker, Tom has now channeled his energies into positive things. What was once the insatiable drive to become intoxicated has morphed into a love of extreme sports. From the very first time he leaped off of a 40 foot cliff into the sea below, his passion is only limited by the need to exercise proper caution. He is still an avid cliff diver and now a skydiver-in-training, and plans to become a certified wingsuit flyer in due time.

[malkalazar]

Karma translates as 'action'. You take an action you change your karma. You must be so wise to do it in such a simple way. You are really amazing and inspiring. Thank you❤

[FollowingtheProcess-fnml]

Being sober isn't a normal condition for us. The feeling of feeling empty until which time we put some substance within us to feel just normal. This was my experience and then the chase for me to get to that low desperation that substances will only create and yet I loved it in spite of everything.

[deborajh]

Yaaayyyy!! Congrats to you!!
Lots of Love&Hugs 💜🤗🤗

[anthonymorris]

I will save this video. For myself and for others I know. Thank you.

[particles]

Thank you young man for shining a little light on me in this cunning and baffling and powerful disease.

[annalisette]

The work of journalist Johann Hari and some others says the answer for addiction is connection--with others. This is pretty much the point of the talk here. It appears that the majority of people who have drug and alcohol issues will get better with their own initiative. There is however a small percent of people who are physically addicted to substances and no amount of feel-good, think yourself well activities will correct this devastating DISEASE. The physical causes and cures for addictions must be found.

[Soberdogs]

Tom wow brotha. Wow. Great story. Very powerful

[Matthew]

Engaging and intellectually stimulating; reminiscent of a book that was both engaging and insightful. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint

[EveningTV]

Wow! His first line was "Before I woke up on July 11th 2014...." My son died on July 11, 2016.

[sarahknapp]

Who is in charge of where the cameras are???? So much of this you hear him, but can't see him. His message is good and hopeful, but he is just exercising the 12th step; working with others. Whether recovering addicts become social workers or skydivers, working with others continues to be the best medicine for relapse prevention.

[msmjserene]

Ummmm, in 12 step we have a simple name for Been around for ever.

[patrickp]

Not really redefining here. "You can't think your way into right living you have to live your way into right thinking." Congrats if this helps anyone though.

[jasonbachelor]

Stop it. You are a kid now, I can only imagine how young you were then
Experimentation