The Rev’d Hugh Tudor-Foley is by calling an Episcopal Priest. He is in long-term recovery as a grateful recovering alcoholic.

This is his story.

In 2001 I was confronted for increasing alcoholic behavior – drinking at work (Church) and a visible and growing lack of ability to function. As a result, I was sent to Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT. The gifts I received there along with the support of my Bishop and others in my church gave me the foundation I needed to begin recovery and that informs my continued recovery today. Much of my work as a priest reflects what I have learned in meetings, from sponsors, reading and study. The wisdom and support I have discovered, through my Higher Power, whom I choose to call God, is awesome.

It is only through continued prayer, vigilance and meeting attendance that I continue to be blessed with recovery. I serve the church as a transition specialist, helping and guiding parishes that are suffering from a variety of stresses to accept and encourage change. The ability to listen and to be non-judgmental in these problematic parish situations comes from the gifts of my time in recovery. The gratitude I have for my own life and recovery are easily translated into the work that I am called to do.

In 2006, I returned to my alma mater Silver Hill Hospital as chaplain, leading groups and providing individual counseling on the role spirituality plays in recovery. As I walked that campus, led services in the chapel there and met with patients, my own recovery was strengthened. The acknowledgement by clinicians and medical staff that spirituality plays an important role in recovery also strengthened and continues to strengthen my recovery and ministry as well.

I have chaired two diocesan committees on Substance Abuse Education and Support in the Episcopal Church and have discovered that so many clergy do not have the information needed to help so many who are in harms way.

While the support group to which I belong and those who attend remain anonymous, I am open about my own recovery so that as I write, lecture and teach, so that others can know that they can safely come to me for help.

I also am involved in the work of Faces and Voices of Recovery, advocating public awareness and federal legislation for parity in insurance coverage. I was given the gift of full insurance coverage when I was in the hospital for detox and rehabilitation and I want all others who need treatment to have the opportunity I did.

To these ends I hope that my story of recovery will encourage others. My name is Hugh and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic and thankful for this opportunity to share a bit of my story.