INTERVIEW 3 Facing Light the
Will Cook uses his own life trauma to inspire his clients to recover and heal Divine Light Addiction Recovery Center’s Program Coordinator Will Cook follows a strong personal belief. “I can’t make them do anything. It’s their life and I let them know that,” Cook says. “My job is to talk to them on their level and make sure they know I truly care for them.” Cook understands firsthand the complex situations many of his clients are facing. At 10 years old, he was physically and sexually assaulted by older boys in his community. “That’s the reality I’ve had to come to terms with and it happens to be the same reality a lot of these guys are dealing with,” Cook says. The only escape When he started using after the assault, Cook was looking to escape the disturbing feeling of not knowing who he was anymore. He hadn’t shared the traumatic experience with anyone, attempting to hold onto his pride and some sense of self.
“It kept me from facing myself. It felt like drugs could turn me into someone else,” he shares, “but the feeling never went away that I was less than a man.” Along with the abuse, he was also dealing with a schizophrenic mother and brother who were in and out of hospitals. “It was like having something taken from me every time they left,” Cook says. When the drugs would wear off, he found himself re-experiencing the problems he was trying to run away from. After 47 years of living in this pattern, feeling like he was constantly escaping death, he woke up on July 25, 2014 and was ready to end his addiction for good. “I realized enough is enough for me,” Cook says, “I surrender, to everything.” Recovery was not an easy road, but he discovered patience, humility and trust along the way. Through his fears, these three traits helped him to let go of old habits and heal from his trauma in healthier ways. He also relied on his spirituality while recovering.
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