Meet Barbara Nicholson Brown of Together AZ Newspaper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Nicholson Brown.

Hi Barbara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Where I am today in life, all the blessings, the amazing people I call friends and colleagues is only due to my starting the journey to recovery from addiction and alcoholism on June 17, 1990. That most memorable day was the worst and the best wrapped in one. 33 years later, I am still on the path, inspiring others on the road to recovery through my monthly publication, Together AZ, community recovery events, and being of service to others who are just beginning on this road. Giving back is extremely important, and it is where I find joy. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is smooth, not the ones I have traveled. Life is full of twists and turns, and when addiction is at the forefront of life, the struggles are more difficult and often created of our own making. 

In active addiction, it was easy for me to blame the outside world for any problem I had. There were many lost jobs, relationships, family connections, and friendships, to name a few. Denial is powerful and painful. I feel very blessed and grateful today for what I have accomplished, and I look forward to continuing on this road. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I strongly believe it is important to continue to raise awareness about recovery from addiction and alcoholism and provide support for those who are struggling; I do this each month through Together AZ. The goal is to help our community members, friends and families find recovery options, the right provider or agency and offer them hope. An essential element of recovery is knowing you are not alone. The treatment and recovery programs who support the paper through advertising and informative articles are many of the most experienced, dedicated and trusted in Arizona. 

My proud moment was on December 1st, 2023, at the Sierra Tucson Gratitude for Giving Celebration. I was honored to receive the lifetime achievement award for my work with this newspaper and an annual recovery event I am involved with for the last 18 years, CARE, Celebrate the Art of Recovery. It was a very humbling and thrilling moment. 

What sets us apart is we still print on paper! 

The mission is to “Inspire Success on the Road to Recovery.” Together AZ is real recovery for real people. I want people to know there is no shame in admitting a behavioral health or mental health problem and to not fear asking for help for themselves or someone they may know who is struggling. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Spend a few weeks during the summer in Wisconsin at our relative’s lake house. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.togetheraz.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgazrecovery
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaranicholsonbrown/