In a recent government meeting, a powerful discussion unfolded around addiction recovery and community support, led by a presidential candidate who shared his personal journey with substance abuse. The candidate emphasized the importance of connection and community in overcoming addiction, stating, \"If the solution is connection, then you got it right here.\" He recounted his struggles with heroin, which began at the age of 15 and lasted for 14 years, highlighting the chaos in his life following the death of his father.

Drawing on his experiences, he spoke about the transformative power of belief and spirituality in recovery, referencing the work of psychiatrist Carl Jung. He noted that Jung found individuals who believed in God tended to recover more effectively than those who did not. This led the candidate to adopt a belief in God, which he described as a pivotal moment in his recovery journey.

The candidate also discussed the importance of daily commitments and personal integrity, sharing how he breaks his day into moral decisions that contribute to building character. He expressed gratitude for the support of recovery meetings, stating, \"I go because when I go, the rest of my life works.\"

In a call to action, he proposed the establishment of \"healing farms\" across rural America, aimed at providing a supportive environment for individuals recovering from addiction. These farms would not only facilitate recovery but also teach valuable skills in various trades, helping to rebuild self-esteem and community ties. He suggested funding for these initiatives could come from a federal tax on legalized marijuana, aiming to shift the focus from prisons to rehabilitation in struggling areas.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions to addiction and the potential for community-driven recovery initiatives to make a significant impact.