Billy Moore- 2004 Courage to Come Back Award Recipient

Cambridge, Ontario

May 2004

Billy Moore describes his childhood as normal, average and uneventful. He was surrounded by a loving family who were supportive of him.  Unfortunately, in the 1960's Billy followed the example of the people around him.  He began to experiment with drugs, starting with marijuana and LSD, and over the next 27 years, he would develop a regular cocaine habit and an addiction to alcohol.

Billy's family cared for him very much, but his parents both died before they saw any change in him.  His two older sisters also tried to help repeatedly but they eventually gave up.  He and his wife had gone their separate ways soon after marriage, even though they continued to live in the same house.   Addictions cost Billy everything he cherished: the business his Dad left him, his marriage and even his son.  As his life unraveled most of his relationships became strained, even with his drinking and doping buddies.  Eventually with no job, no money and no prospects, he was evicted from his apartment because he couldn't pay the rent.  Somehow though, Billy always managed to find money to feed his addiction.

Billy finally reached the bottom and although he didn't want to live, he also wasn't ready to die.  In 1999, Billy checked himself into a treatment centre for drug and alcohol rehabilitation and there, he was able to find a way to live without these substances.  Billy attended an aftercare program as well as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly while he began to rebuild his life.  Billy credits his strong faith with helping him learn to re-establish himself and contribute to society again.

Billy moved from Sudbury to Cambridge in the summer of 2000 to be closer to his sisters and their families and over time, they have built strong, solid relationship with each other.  Billy is proud of his son and is developing a caring relationship with him. 

Today Billy Moore volunteers with a Junior High group in his church and teaches them that life is important.  He facilitates a group called "Celebrate Recovery," where he talks about drugs and alcohol and the hazards involved. 

He is also involved in off road racing and promotes Racing Against Drugs all over Ontario.  He tells the young people he works with "you don't have to be high to get high and there are lots of other ways to get high on life besides drugs and alcohol."  His pit crew is made up of teenagers who have learned a lot about automobiles and life lessons at these events.  He has also participated in the Racing Against Drugs week put on by the Waterloo Regional Police and the RCMP. 

Not very long ago, Billy Moore didn't have a dime to his name or an ounce of confidence in himself or his future, but he managed to find a way out and has never turned back to his old habits. Billy works full time as an auto mechanic and as he continues to grow in his own recovery, he also continues to inspire others and make a difference in their lives.

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