September marks National Recovery Month, a time to raise awareness about substance use and to recognize the courage and strength it takes to walk the path of substance use disorder and recovery.
We’ve asked people with lived experience to share what recovery means to them and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
How would you define recovery?
“Working a daily program that promotes continued abstinence of all non-prescription mind- and mood-altering substances.”
“Healing at your own pace that improves the overall quality of a person’s life.”
“A holistic, nonlinear, ongoing approach to lead a self-directed life free of alcohol and substances.”
“Complete and total abstinence unless prescribed for major incidents (surgery).”
“Starting a new life and knowing you’re not alone.”
“Being able to soberly sing, dance, art, and cook.”
What does it mean to be “in recovery”?
“Being in recovery requires continuous effort. This could mean going to recovery support meetings (AA, NA, etc.), avoiding high risk people, places, and things, keeping a daily gratitude journal, etc.”
“An ongoing process to lead a self-directed life in the dimensions of, spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, environmental and professional.
“Doing the next right thing, facing our fears, admitting our wrongs, and offering help where needed.”
“Peeling away the toxic layers and people of my life.”
“Striving to be better each day.”
Does being in recovery mean that someone is cured?
“No. A person can be in sustained remission, but there is no ‘cure.’”
“No. I believe this is something we have to be vigilant about because addiction can manifest itself in many ways if not kept in check.”
“No. It is an ongoing journey.”
If someone relapses, are they still in recovery?
“Even with the best effort, sometimes relapses can happen. The most important thing is what the person decides to do after a relapse.”
“Yes, because recovery is how many times you get back up when you fall down. Also, this is up to the individual to decide if they are in recovery and no one else.”
“Yes, definitely. You have to understand that a person in recovery from substances and alcohol is like a person being in remission from cancer.”
“Yes. The path of recovery looks different for everyone and has many twists and turns and ups and downs.”
“If they stay in the relapse, no, but if they continue forward not using substances, then yes. It’s about not staying down if you fall.”
What lessons have you learned in recovery?
“I’ve learned who my true friends are. My definition of fun has also evolved. I’ve learned to value and appreciate life more.”
“Life on life’s terms still happens. Small things do add up to big things. Going to 12-step programs weekly creates growth no matter how long I have been in recovery.”
“There are multiple paths to recovery. Fellowship with the recovery community is a vital part of it.”
“I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is where the growth happens. I’ve learned that I’m strong, that my use does not define me, to believe in myself, and to know that things take time, to practice patience and gratitude daily, and to keep my circle with those who believe in me, understand, and raise me up.”
“Honesty with self leads to peace, and when my peace is disrupted, my relationship with my higher power, and an honest, open, and vulnerable self-reflection are the ways back to the missing peace.”
“You can carry the message of recovery, but you can’t carry the alcoholic or the addict.”
“I’m not alone. I’m not perfect. I can have goals but still live day to day, and most importantly, how to be grateful.”
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with recovery?
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Change is difficult, and even good change can be extremely challenging. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Asking someone for help is a strength, not a weakness and takes courage. If you take a step toward recovery, be proud of yourself.”
“Keep talking to people. Get the help you may need and be kind to yourself in the process.”
“Be honest and vulnerable when talking to recovery supportive individuals and organizations. Support is available if you need it.”
“No one gets sober on their own. Get to a support meeting or get treatment.”
“You’re not alone. Each day is a new opportunity to see a whole new world.”
“Keep your head up, believe in yourself, and know that healing will take time. If you move forward falling down, pick yourself up and try again. There will be bumps in the road and they will just make you stronger along the way. Go to meetings and lean on those who are in recovery to help carry you when things are rough.”
“Give yourself to your recovery and your recovery will give you renewed life and purpose, greater than you ever could have imagined for yourself.”
How can someone support a loved one?
“Show and provide support. Listen without judgement.”
“Be patient. Have boundaries. Maybe therapy will be beneficial for the family or loved ones. Get curious about their recovery and ask questions that will support the person.”
“Educate yourself on the disease of addiction.”
“Tell them you are proud of them. Point out the positive changes you see in them.”
Rogers offers addiction treatment
No one needs to struggle with the recovery process from substance use alone. At Rogers, our compassionate team members provide the tools and skills needed to overcome addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. Recovery is possible with proven substance use disorder treatment.
To seek treatment, call 833-308-5887 for a free confidential screening.
