COM Outlook Winter 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 11 lifted. I became happy again. I thought, ‘If I can be happy in here, sober, with nothing, maybe I can be happy on the outside as well.’ ” Staying Clean: A Daily Process One of the first things Chapman had to deal with when he was released from prison was making amends with his family, which included his wife, Stefanie, whom he met in high school, and his child- ren K Rose; J Foster, Jr.; and Bernard Samuel. “My wife single-handedly held our family together through my addiction, my incarceration, and my recovery,” he said. “I owe her my life.” The road to being—and remaining—clean is paved with obstacles, which is why Chapman is determined to avoid the pitfalls and do whatever is necessary to remain drug free. “Only dead people beat their addic- tion; I just haven’t used today,” he explained. “I am four years through a five-year program for impaired providers and am subject to random drug testing.” Chapman attends twice-weekly Narcotics Anony- mous meetings, visits a therapist twice monthly, participates in weekly Caduceus meetings, and sees an addictionologist quarterly. He also speaks to addicts at various recovery centers. “Telling my story to street- level drug addicts and prostitutes seems to reach them on a special level,” he explained. “They say, ‘Wow! A doctor? You did all that?’ I think it helps them under- stand that addiction truly is a disease. It also helps keep me grounded, since I know what’s waiting for me if I relapse.” Because of his criminal record, restarting his medical career took time, said Chapman, who is the primary care manager of the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana. “I enjoy helping our brave soldiers recover from their traumatic brain injuries,” he said. “Some of them have also dealt with alcohol and drug addiction. My experiences allow me to relate to them on a truly unique level. I can look them in the eyes and say, ‘I understand; I’ve been there. And I can help you get out.’ ” After years of drug dependency, and dealing with the altered behaviors and perceptions that accompany addiction, Chapman is relishing his recovery and the steps he is taking to stay clean. “I can’t verbalize how wonderful being clean is,” he said. “I’ve never been happier.” † 10 PIECES OF ADVICE BY J FOSTER CHAPMAN, SR. Addiction is the only disease I know of that tells you that you don’t have it. Repeat after me. 1. If you think you might have a problem, you do. 2. If you think you have it under control, you don’t. 3. If you think you can stop and recover on your own, you can’t. 4. Quitting is not the same as recovering. (Quitting is easy. I quit all the time.) 5. You don’t have to steal from your kids. 6. You don’t have to falsify prescriptions. 7. You don’t have to become a junkie, be hospitalized, or lie to everyone you love, including yourself. 8. You don’t have to go to prison. 9. Asking for help will not negatively affect your career. 10. The people in your life, personally and professionally, want you to succeed. I want you to succeed! Learn from my mistakes. Ask for help today. “My wife single-handedly held our family together … I owe her my life.” — J Foster Chapman, Sr. The Henderson Student Counseling Center is available to all NSU students who may be dealing with anxiety, chronic illnesses, financial stress, social struggles, substance abuse and addiction, suicidal thoughts, or other issues. 24/7 HOTLINES : (954) 424-6911 or (954) 262-7050 WEBSITE : nova.edu/healthcare/student-services/student-counseling.html