What is Recovery?
A process of change that is person and purpose driven.
Recovery as a Journey
The path you take to recovery may look different for you than others. Pathways to recovery include many activities that promote overall health and well-being, such as going to your peer support meetings, seeking treatment, connecting with community resources, or developing and maintaining an ongoing network of support.
Your own recovery journey will likely look different over time, as your circumstances change and your recovery progresses. Wherever you are in your recovery journey, we’re here to meet you where you are and support you. Having allies and a community of support committed to helping you reach your goals is a major part of sustaining long-term recovery.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, has created a working definition of recovery that focuses on ten different guiding principles. It may be helpful for you to view this short document to gain an understanding of what recovery may look like for you or your loved ones.
Process of Change
Change can be scary
Change is something that comes with recovery. No matter what your journey is, changes will happen and this can feel scary. We have trouble with big changes and disruptions to our habits. However, adaptability is a trait to be recognized. Being adaptable to change, accepting it is a surefire way to help you make big differences in what you feel.
Change is important
In recovery, change is inevitable. Even small changes are important to you changing habits, feelings, and thinking patterns. No matter if it’s just small parts of your life, you have the ability to make changes. This is also true in situations where your control is limited. You have the ability to change the way you view life. Thinking positively is a small way to change something big: your perspective. In recovery, roadblocks will come up, trusting yourself to overcome them, believing you can, is a way to see that you do.
Start today
So, start today! You have the power to make even small changes in your life. These small changes are so important, to you and to those rooting for you. You have the power to change what you wish to!
"You have the power to change"
Person & Purpose Driven
People are unique and have unique needs
What you need may not be what someone else does. That is why recovery is driven by an individual’s situations and needs. Recovery looks different for everyone. Recovery is about more than a substance; it’s about coming to recognize things you’ve been through and all that you’ve overcome. No person has had the exact same experience. That is why recovery is centered around individual needs, any number someone may have.
There is a reason you’re here
No matter what you’ve experienced, what you’ve seen, there is a reason you’re considering or in recovery. Recovery is a new opportunity to discover and be thankful for those reasons. Whether it be your children, your relationships or friendships, your work, your hobbies, or even just your never quit attitude, your reason to recover is important
Finding purpose and personhood
In recovery, personhood and purpose come together. Individual’s stories are an important part of their personhood. No matter your story, you deserve to thrive in recovery, overcome challenges, and live the life you wish to.
I'm here, I’m your resource, I can be your support. I can help you.” - IPN provider
Peer & Ally Supported
People are here for you, those who have real experience and those who believe your experience
Some of the best things gained in recovery are relationships. Whether it’s in counselors, in family, or in peers, support is an important part of recovery. Your peers are the people around you who have had similar experiences. Your allies are the people who want to listen and understand your experience with no judgment of your situation. You are not alone in your recovery. You have the support of an entire recovery community, as well as those in your own life. Whether it's treatment, a 12-step program, or a community-driven program, you are being cheered on, even if you don't know it.
No judgment
Peers and allies are genuinely interested in your success. Relationships in recovery with peers and allies should be judgment free. Instead, they should utilize understanding and a sense of community to support you and those around you.
Genuine, reciprocal relationships
Relationships are not always easy to manage. In recovery, there will be times where you feel alone. But know there are others with similar experiences, people who will understand things you have felt.