Enslaved from Within

In addition to being the mother of a son suffering from substance abuse, Dr. Mordock is currently a Substance Abuse County Coalition Member and Advisory Board Chairperson at the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education, assists in the Celebrate Recovery Program at her local church, and is a fund raiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which nominated her for Women of the Year in 2012 and awarded her the “Light the Night Spirit Award” in 2013. Her relevant past activities include: Professor at the State University of New York College at New Paltz; Board President and Peace Award recipient at the Mediation Center of Dutchess County and is a NYS certified Mediator; Student Assistance Counselor, Coordinator of Continuing Education, and grant writer for the Tobacco Free Dutchess Grant with the Dutchess County Council of Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Principal at the Astor Day Treatment Center; domestic abuse hotline volunteer, literacy volunteer, and community liaison for a police–community partnership program.Research substantiates that addiction (both alcohol and drug) is a diagnosable disease. Not only is it debilitating to the beholder but negatively impacts family and loved ones.This is a transparent, heartwarming and sometimes heart breaking biography; testimony of first hand experiences; and explanation of the process, treatment options and support systems available to both the alcoholic/addict and their loved ones.Having known Dr. Mordock’s caliber of dedication to family and community for over three decades, I can attest to this illuminating read. The “Points to Ponder” are designed for personal reflection or small group discussion including church outreach to those suffering from the effects of single parent households, addiction, domestic disruption or those learning the difference between enabling and detaching with love.Pat Kimble, MSW, LWS-R, Clinical Social Worker specializing in substance abuse, domestic violence, relationship therapy and author “The Addicted Society”.