Spotlight Series – Ramon Rodriguez

Ramon Rodriguez – PNP Specialist

Ramon grew up in a big Hispanic family consisting of his parents, seven brothers and two sisters in the Rio Grande Valley in the tip of Texas. As a child, most of his family’s income came from working together out in the fields. From that early age, his curiosity about life and sentient beings took him on many adventures — some of them risky – all of which taught him important lessons about “The Human Condition.” Through these experiences, Ramon has come to appreciate the gift of life and strongly desires to pass on to others the peace that has been freely given to him. One of Ramon’s favorite sayings is, “I am only as ignorant as the things I have not experienced. That is not to say that I am experienced on the things I have experienced, but that I have been given the opportunity to learn from them.”

What brought you to Origins?

I first heard of Origins through a friend of mine who told me that Ben Levenson and his dad were opening a treatment center right in our backyard (about 75 miles from where we lived)! The main attraction for me was that it was going to be based on going back to the basics of the 12-Steps precisely out of the Big Book. I wanted in immediately!

What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?

As The Big Book says (page 19), “Elimination of our drinking (and/or using) is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations, and affairs.”

On another page it says, “The spiritual life is not a theory, we have to live.” It is a pleasure and a privilege to experience the results of our labors with our clients and family members. The greatest lesson to be learned is of being of service to others.

If there were only one thing you could tell us about working in the area of treatment, what would it be?

For me, it is the spiritual component of recovery: whatever spirituality may be for each one of us. What’s essential to recovery is the emphasis of a power greater than ourselves, whether it is God, Buddha, or Universal Love, etc. This is just as important for loved ones as it is for the individual in recovery.

Do you hold any credentials or certifications, or do you participate in any other professional activities outside of work?

I have been in the treatment field for about 26 years, with the last six years here at Origins. During most of my time in treatment settings, I have worked as a Recovered Advocate. For the past year at Origins, I have worked under the title of PNP Specialist. I am truly grateful, because I get the opportunity to integrate the 12-Steps along with the other PNP work that we do with clients.

Are you in recovery yourself? If so, what do you love most about being in recovery?

Yes. I am. By the Grace of a merciful God of my understanding, and the willingness to put into practice the principles of the 12-Steps, I have been clean and sober since May 15, 1987. Experiencing life as a recovered alcoholic and being willing to be of maximum service to God and my fellowman is the greatest joy I have ever experienced.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any pets or engage in special hobbies?  

Most of my leisure time is spent reading spiritual books from a variety of authors from different religions or spiritual backgrounds. I also do some writings of my own, as well as drawings for my own pleasure. I also take time to sponsor alcoholics and drug addicts. Most importantly, I take time for interior spiritual solitude. I say most importantly because without this, all I would be is a clanging cymbal.

Is there anything else you might like to share?

My father, in his last days of being here on earth, shared with me some words of wisdom. He said, “El que no vive para servir, no sirve para vivir.”

The translation is, “He who does not live to serve, does not deserve to live.” Words to live by! I was 10 years sober when he died. Thank you dad!!!

And thank you, Origins, for allowing me the opportunity to be of service to our clients and family members. May we continue in the legacy we started with.

For more information regarding the many programs of Origins Behavioral HealthCare where Ramon Rodriguez works, please visit: www.originsrecovery.com.