We hear it all the time: “She’s in recovery” or, “He’s struggling with his recovery.” It’s a broad and possibly vague phrase – “in recovery.” When we are talking about substance use disorders, we use the phrase “in recovery” to describe someone who is not currently using substances abusively. But is it more than that?
Yes, it absolutely is. In fact, going all the way back to 1939 and the publication of the “Big Book” the main text used by Alcoholics Anonymous to this day, the authors knew that “ ..liquor is but a symptom” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 64). They knew that for people to get sober and stay sober, much more needed to happen than just putting down the drink or drug. Although they and we KNOW that stopping abusive use of substances is a critical step. Without it, many experts believe that recovery is difficult (if not impossible).
But what does “recovery” even mean?
The website mentalhealth.gov defines “recovery” as a process of change through which individuals:
- Improve their health and wellness
- Live a self-directed life
- Strive to achieve their full potential.
Who doesn’t want to enjoy improved health and wellness, direct their lives towards achieving their dreams and start living up to their full potential? Where do you start? How can you start to tackle the seemingly monumental task of cleaning up the mess that is active addiction?
We think that recovery is holistic, and that it can (and should) encompass striving toward living your best life in all areas. Mentalhealth.gov again gives us some guidance on four dimensions of recovery:
- Health: Make informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
- Home: Have a stable and safe place to live.
- Purpose: Engage in meaningful daily activities, such as a job or school, volunteering, caring for your family, or being creative. Work for independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
- Community: Build relationships and social networks that provide support.
The work of recovery can be challenging, but also exciting. Finding out who you are, what you’re good at, what gives your life meaning, exploring fitness, spirituality, education, employment, relationships and love – are all possible using this holistic approach to recovery.
Finding your path and creating a system for living that really works for you, and that you can sustain over the long term, is the real work of recovery. With guidance, support and an open mind, anything and everything is possible.
When we take that first scary step of recognizing a problem with substances in our lives and being willing to make changes, we open the door to not only putting down the substance, but embarking on what can be the great adventure that is recovery.