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'Strength from our mistakes': Former drug users fight addiction with music

Two musicians use their experience with drug addiction to deter others from falling victim to it.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark (KTHV) - There's a local group of men who use music to fight drug addictions.

Saboor Salaam and Kenneth Richardson used their own history with drug abuse to turn to use passions to help themselves and others.

“Two musicians met. One had just got out of the penitentiary and one was going back in the penitentiary,” Salaam said. “Nobody starts smoking a joint and drinking some whiskey saying, ‘I want to be a dope fiend. I want to go to the penitentiary.’”

The addiction became even stronger.

“It took more and more and more to get me that relief,” Salaam said.

He was arrested for selling cocaine and marijuana. One day his mind changed.

“We realized we were sick and tired of being sick and tired,” Salaam said.

In 1979, they created Recovery, the group that helps addicts beat their addictions. This allowed them to form the nonprofit Recovery 2005. The men use music to get their message out. Kenneth Richardson said the music is what reaches people.

“It kind of opens them up to ideas and new ways to get help,” Richardson said.

They performed in nightclubs, schools, seminars, and anywhere else.

“They can kind of gain strength from our mistakes,” Richardson said.

Richardson's son Ken Richardson said it is easier for these guys to relate

“They've been there before. Because it's like if you've never been there before it's like you being a doctor and trying to get a prescription for a patient you've never see,” Ken Richardson said.

“I realized that freedom was not related to your physical condition, but it's related to your mental condition,” said Salaam.

They use music to show others that it is a wonderful world.

Recovery 2005 also helps find employment and counseling. If you need help recovering, contact them at 501-307-6487.

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