Recovered alcoholics hope to save others with new home Nov 29, 2007 - Reprinted from LaJollaLight.com

By Gina McGalliard

When Barrett Hammond first decided to confront his alcoholism and began to look for a sober living facility in San Diego, he was greatly disappointed with what he found.

"It was just appalling," said Hammond. "A lot of times they will have four people in one bedroom, with bunk beds. And there is no structure, no sense of camaraderie. Plus some of the residents were still using drugs."

Hammond's father suggested that if he was so unhappy with the sober living facilities he found, then maybe he should open up his own. Hammond, along with his longtime friend Danny Simmons, who has been sober for more than three years, wrote up a business plan together and opened By the Book near San Diego State University, a sober living home for men. Simmons acts as the house manager.

"Within the first week we opened, we were full," said Hammond. Since then, the pair has opened a second home in Bird Rock.

Hammond and Simons, both 26, are La Jolla High School and Muirlands Middle School graduates and began drinking while still in junior high school.

"It got to the point where I realized I could be doing so much more with my life," Hammond said of finally deciding to stop drinking.

By the Book is more structured than other sober living homes. Residents are required to attend five recovery meetings a week based on the twelve step program, submit to regular drug testing and find a sponsor within 30 days. They are also required to attend morning meditation on weekday mornings and an open study group once a week. They also must be employed or attending school.

By the Book is also more supportive than a typical sober living home. "It's meant to be a family atmosphere where people are supportive of each other and working with a strong program of recovery," Hammond said. He and Simmons also keep in contact with people after they leave the facility.

"We feel like they are family," Hammond said.

Simons agreed, saying, "We make an investment in their recovery and the community."

Hammond said that one of the problems with how people view alcoholism is that they don't realize that it knows no boundaries as to who it can affect. "There's a lot of stereotypes about what an alcoholic is," he said. "But the truth is that alcoholism doesn't discriminate between age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. It's not just the homeless guy on the street, but your neighbor, boss or child."

Young people may be particularly susceptible to not knowing that they have a problem with alcohol, as opposed to simply living life in the fast lane. "When I was drinking at parties as a teenager, I thought that was the norm. It never occurred to me that I was an addict who craved the alcohol every weekend," said Hammond. Alcoholism, as he put it, is when one "develops a physical allergy to alcohol and an obsession of the mind and has an insatiable craving."

Next, Hammond wants to arrange a free seminar in La Jolla for parents of young people who are alcoholics or may be at risk. An interventionist will be at the seminar will be along with a drug and alcohol counselor, and a few people who are recovered alcoholics themselves. "We look forward to holding an awareness seminar for parents of college students and high school students or anyone that feels that someone they know or love may be suffering from a disease that is progressive and fatal," said Hammond.

"The biggest thing that makes me excited about this program is being able to help young guys," said Hammond. "They can do it young and early and have an awesome life and save a lot of trouble."

Of the disease in general, Hammond said, "We want to let the alcoholic that is still suffering understand that he or she never has to feel hopeless and helpless again, and does not have to be alone." Hammond said that the worst part of the disease is not being there for loved ones, and since recovering he is able to be a better son, brother and friend.

If you are interested in attending the seminar or you or someone you know want more information about By the Book, contact Barrett Hammond at (858) 405-7133, or e-mail him at barretthammond1@yahoo.com.