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“The problem… affected many families of the people put into jail. Families were left without fathers, which only reinforced the drug problem at play.” But back then, Emory notes, addiction was attacked at the root by focusing almost exclusively on putting a halt to usage altogether. Emory spoke about some of the problems facing addiction- recovery methodologies that are often implemented today, “Instead of encouraging abstinence, new drug-stopping processes encourage control [of substances] instead of stopping drug usage.” And he summed up how this challenge is equally strengthened when he remarked, “doctors prescribe drugs that are addictive, so when someone no longer has access to those prescriptions they turn back to illegal, cheap drugs like heroin.” But Emory remained optimistic. “There is a lot that works,” he said, and “A person that’s addicted and wants to get clean will get [clean] any way they can.” He continued, “Young kids come through the doors at UMADAOP. Many are from diverse families and backgrounds [coming] to learn about addiction and about themselves… [It’s UMADAOP’s job to] grow, change, and adapt

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As Emory retires from the board at UMADAOP, the stories and impact that have followed his compassion-driven career enlist every reason for UMADAOP, and many of those he has helped, to celebrate his lifelong commitment to this cause. In closing remarks for this interview, Emory contributed one more source for inspiration: This year he celebrates 5 years’ cancer free.

to the culture. Some of the ways we did things in the past don’t work today, and UMADAOP has been able to make some of those transitions.” His pride in the work that UMADAOP provides and their ability to overcome shifting challenges was contagious.

As Emory retires from the board at UMADAOP, the stories and impact that have followed his compassion-driven career enlist every reason for UMADAOP, and many of those he has helped, to celebrate his lifelong commitment to this cause. 26