Clean Slates

Visit E-Bay to view all of our jewelry

OR contact us directly for orders at dhale@insideaddiction.org

A Message:
After 15 years of active drug and alcohol use I "hit my bottom". I finally got "sick and tired of being sick and tired". ONLY then, and for reasons NONE OTHER THAN FOR MYSELF, I began my journey of recovery. I admitted myself to an inpatient program in central New York. During the following 38 days I attended groups and counseling. In between groups I would often sit outside on a patio hanging my head in shame and one day I noticed the patio was made of slate. It had been right in front of me the entire time. I thought then what an opportunity I have been given to get a "clean slate", a new beginning! After successfully completing the program there was a graduation ceremony in which I received a certificate. That is when I thought there should be something more personal to commemorate my accomplishment. I had become so inspired and touched by this new way of life because I hadn’t been truly living at all. This was my opportunity for a new beginning, a fresh start, a "clean slate". I decided to design slate jewelry that would be personalized to each person's accomplishment. I wanted to help spread the message of hope. There are many people with many different addictions- be it to alcohol and drugs like myself, smoking, gambling, food, etc.

WE ARE NOT ALONE, but know, any addiction we may have has not only been experienced by someone else but it has also been overcome by someone else. Any addiction can be overcome by anybody, any day, IF THEY WANT IT! If you or someone you love is celebrating a "clean slate", remember, there is no better gift than that of recovery.

Thank you for letting me share mine with you. God Bless and remember "one day at a time".

Giving Back:
It is estimated that 23 million Americans are suffering from addiction. In 2007, only 1% were seeking or receiving treatment. It is my belief that you can not help others unless you understand the person you are trying to help. To understand the problems and temptations of others you must have been through them yourself. It is time for a more proactive approach to address this epidemic. I am willing and available to share my experience, strength, and hope of living with addiction in a public forum. Please feel free to contact me for speaking engagements.

Partial proceeds are used to purchase and distribute books and literature to inmates, shelters, and elders in senior homes. These people may have a difficult time getting to a meeting or "receiving the message" due to where they are "located". I say "located" because that’s only where they are, NOT where they are living. I believe where you "live" comes from within. Home is where your heart is, not an address.

Dean H.