Overview

WE DO RECOVER- Voices of Hope is a collection of songs that trace the journey of a person in active substance use disorder from living on the street (Be There) to asking for help (Surrender). The middle songs (Tracks 3 - 12) reflect the insight and hope gained in rehab. Completing treatment, the person is ready to go home (Coming Home) and establish a new life in recovery (Unshakeable). The closing song (Spirit Bird) explores the possibility of a spiritual awakening as the person grows in recovery.The lyrics were written in collaboration with people in treatment or early recovery. The book contains lyrics and stories of how the songs were written, and includes music streaming of all songs on major platforms. I have the privilege of visiting several substance use disorder treatment centers on a regular basis to perform concerts and facilitate Creative Writing for Recovery workshops. In addition to specific writing exercises designed to deepen recovery, we spend a portion of the time creating lyrics for a future recovery song. We choose a topic. The participants write on the topic, and I photograph the writings of those who voluntarily wish to contribute to the song. [Due to privacy regulations, the rehab patients/clients remain anonymous.] When I return to my home studio, I transcribe the writings into my word processor. I don't use automation, as I want the writers' intent to wash over me as I manually type every word. I look for patterns, rhymes and imagery. Then I begin moving words and phrases around (and adding some of my own) until I have verses, choruses, and sometimes a bridge. Once I have a lyric structure, I pick up the guitar and write music. I perform the new song for the participants on my next visit. Since I began these workshops 3 years prior to the release of this project, I have written over 75 songs with this collaborative process. It is truly an honor to work with people in very early recovery and reflect their words back to them in the form of a song. Whether it's their first time in treatment or the tenth, there's a raw wisdom in the words of someone coming out of a very dark period of their life and beginning to seek the light. I can honestly say that this process has taken my songwriting (and my recovery) in directions I could not have imagined on my own. I encourage you to set aside an hour, sit down with this book, and listen to the songs as you read the lyrics and the stories behind them. Whether just exploring or in sustained recovery, it is my hope that these words and melodies will inspire you on your journey. John Dillon, CARC

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Reviews

""John's work reaches far beyond music. With humility, presence, and deep respect for the human story, he creates a space where people feel safe enough to tell the truth. In his workshops, what emerges is never just a song, but a shared act of courage, connection, and meaning making. Individual stories are gently woven into a collective expression that carries both beauty and honesty. ""Substance use disorder is often rooted in profound disconnection, and John's work restores what has been fractured by inviting people back into relationship - with themselves and with one another. As someone who values creativity, community, and truth as pathways to healing, I recognize how rare and necessary this kind of work is. Watching a group transform lived experience into something meaningful, together, is profoundly moving. The songs born from these spaces carry an unmistakable sense of soul, reminding us that connection is not only possible, it is essential."" - Dr. Jennifer Richards, PsyD, Chief Clinical Officer, BriteLife Recovery, NY, PA & SC ""I've had the honor and pleasure of working with John for several years in the Creative Recovery Group as well as hosting his music at Cornerstone Treatment Facilities. Patients report being very positively impacted by John's soulful and recovery-oriented words and beautifully constructed musical melodies. John reaches the souls of those in recovery."" - Dr. Eric Kreuter, PhD, CASAC, Cornerstone Treatment Facilities, Rhinebeck, NY ""Writing the song [Be There] with John felt like sharing a part of myself and our family's journey. Hearing it come to life was incredibly moving -the pain, the shame, and the love for someone struggling with addiction finally had a voice. It's powerful, and real."" - Kim Murdick, NOpiates Committee, West Sand Lake, NY

Author Information

An accomplished performing songwriter, author, and producer in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, John Dillon began his recovery journey in 1992 at Marworth Treatment Center in Pennsylvania.He is a NY Certified Addiction Recovery Coach. John is recognized for his 21-year career as producer and co-host (along with his wife Vivian Nesbitt) of Art of the Song, a public radio program about creativity that was heard nationwide on over 100 stations. His book, The 20-20 Creativity Solutiongives readers a step-by-step process to enhance their creativity. In his former career as a luthier, John built over 80 custom acoustic guitars including instruments for well-known performers like Hank Williams, Jr., Trisha Yearwood, the Mavericks, Tish Hinojosa and Steve Earle. In 2022, he released his first recovery albumHOPE ROAD - from Addiction to Recovery. The 12 songs trace his journey from 1960s traveling hippie to full-blown substance use disorder, and finally to sobriety and spiritual growth through inner work, gratitude and service. After releasing the album, John was invited to join theCreative Recovery Group, an online group that uses creative writing to enhance the recovery process. They meet weekly on Zoom (see Resources). In 2023, they collaborated on a series of songs that make up John's second recovery album, The Lighthouse Project. He has developed this collaborative songwriting process into a workshop for people in treatment and recovery centers. Through a series of writing exercises, they choose a topic and begin writing lyrics. John takes their writings home and distills them into a song, which is later performed for the participants. He makes regular visits to Russell E. Blaisdell Treatment Center in Orangeburg, NY, BriteLife Recovery in West Kill, NY and Hanover, PA, Cornerstone of Rhinebeck, NY, New Hope Manor in Barryville, NY, and Conifer Park in Glenville, NY, where he performs recovery concerts and facilitates writing workshops. John lives on an upstate New York farm with Vivian, his mother-in-law, two dogs, two horses, and (some would say) too many guitars.

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