Dave Fidlin | Downtown News

Downtown resident continues to promote a clean and sober lifestyle

Fifty-seven years may have passed, but Jeanne McAlister still remembers the life-altering day she decided to face her addictive behavior head-on and proclaim a clean and sober lifestyle.

“I kept doing things I was ashamed of,” McAlister said as she reflected on that monumental moment of her life. “I was going to some pretty dark places and it was against my nature.”

Ever since she left addiction behind, the Downtown San Diego resident has vigorously trumpeted the virtues of sobriety. Twenty years into her crusade, she marked an important monument with the establishment of the El Cajon-based McAlister Institute.

Since its founding in 1977, the McAlister Institute has become one of San Diego County’s largest alcohol and drug treatment providers. Today, the organization serves more than 2,500 people each month through 27 different programs.

More recently, the McAlister Institute entered another pivotal chapter in its existence with the Walk for Sobriety fundraiser. This month, the 5k run-walk event returns for its third consecutive year.

While proceeds from the Walk for Sobriety fund the McAlister Institute’s assorted services — including prevention programs, outpatient treatment and short- and long-term residential care — McAlister said the 5k is also an opportunity to put the spotlight on a disease that frequently is swept under the rug.

“We’re always hearing about the negative aspects of the disease, but it’s important we look at the positive side as well,” McAlister said. “People need to know that recovery works and that they can keep coming back until it works. Miracles happen.”

Described as a family-friendly event, the Walk for Sobriety was established by McAlister’s granddaughter, Marisa Varond. She serves as the organization’s director of development and who McAlister says is “bright and meticulous.”

In the more than half-century since McAlister has been on a public crusade against alcohol and drug addiction, she readily admits the people she interacts with on a daily basis inspire her.

“I still get teared up and I’ve been doing this a long time,” McAlister said. “When people talk about what they’ve lost [to addiction], it’s rare you hear about actual items. Many times, you’ll hear people talk about losing personal connections with family and other people.”

The world has changed significantly since McAlister declared her sobriety in 1957, but she said she believes the need to have an open dialogue about alcohol and drug use and addictive behavior is more important now than ever before.

“There are people as young as 10 years old who are experimenting,” she said. “Most of them aren’t going to become addicts, but it’s still real important parents have an open line of communication with their children.”

New research about addictive behavior continues to be released, but the stark reality is that it remains an enigma.

“People in recovery always have to keep their guard up because the reality is this is a disease that no one’s been able to define,” McAlister said. “I learned that I have an addictive behavior, and I was bound and determined to get out of the tunnel I was in.”

As she reflects on her personal journey and that of her namesake organization, McAlister readily admits she is proud of the progress that has taken place. When it comes to helping San Diegans achieve a clean and sober lifestyle, she quickly shifts the spotlight to the organization’s small, but dedicated, staff.

“We do stellar work as an organization,” McAlister said. “I have a great staff that works their heart out.”

McAlister said she is readily accessible to discuss addiction-related issues with people struggling with the disease. She said she encourages people to contact her directly at 619-987-6393.

The third annual Walk for Sobriety takes place at 8 a.m. June 21, at NTC Park in Liberty Station, located at 2455 Cushing Rd. Tommy Sablan from KyXy 96.5’s Jeff and Jer Show will emcee the event. Runners and walkers can register alone or in groups, and anyone can participate, whether you are in recovery or not. Those in recovery are encouraged to share their stories on the website and social media. For more information or to register, visit walkforsobriety.com.

For more information about the McAlister Institute, visit the organization’s website at mcalisterinc.org.

 — Dave Fidlin has been a professional journalist for more than a dozen years. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites across the nation. He has a special affinity for San Diego and its people. Contact him at [email protected].