About Recovery

 

Recovery is the process of returning to a normal state of healthy living which involves taking positive steps to change. When one’s life has been affected by problematic substance use or process addictions it can seem like a daunting task to make these changes. However, we soon find that making these positive lifestyle changes becomes one of the most rewarding experiences we can have.

 

This can be very difficult to do alone, many of the choices we face can seem confusing and intimidating; thankfully, there is lots of support available which we will direct you to within this app. If this is your first time here we suggest you go to the "What to do today" page.

 

 

Below are 12 GUIDING PRINCIPLES which can help explain recovery more fully:

 

• “There are many pathways to recovery.”
  • If there was only one way into recovery, we would have found it by now and everyone would be using it!
  • In reality, there are lots of different ways we can make progress on our recovery journeys, because everybody is different, and has their own specific needs, strengths, goals, attitudes, behaviors and expectations.
  • Pathways to recovery are therefore highly personal.

 

• “Recovery is self-directed and empowering.”

• • While some guidance can be helpful, recovery is largely self-directed.
  • The person in recovery has the authority to make choices based on their recovery goals.
  • Through gradual, steady progress, we can feel more empowered and become more optimistic about our futures.

 

• “Recovery involves personally recognising need for change.”

• • People are far more likely to undergo personal change if they want to, not if they are told to.
  • Being sure of your own reasons for change can also help you stay motivated if you are finding change difficult.

 

• “Recovery looks at the whole person.”
  • Whatever you are recovering from (substance misuse, mental health) is only a starting point, and so taking care of this is only one part of the puzzle.
  • Recovery involves examining ourselves as a whole including our mind, body and spirit.

 

• “Recovery has cultural dimensions”.
  • Each person’s recovery process is impacted by their cultural beliefs and traditions, helping shape the recovery path that is right for them.

 

• “Recovery is part of a continuous path of improving health and wellness.”
  • Recovery journeys aren’t always on a straight line.
  • Journeys are gradual and setbacks are natural but not inevitable.
  • However, with continuing efforts towards learning, caring for yourself, and achieving growth and balance, increasing health and wellness will be a result of the recovery process.

 

• “Recovery is supported by peers and allies.”
  • The recovery process usually involves people who contribute hope, support and strategies for change.
  • Peers, family members and other allies can all be vital support for people in recovery.
  • Helping others and experiencing shared healing also creates a community of support among those in recovery.

 

• “Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude.”
  • Individuals seeking recovery gain hope from those who share their journey.
  • Seeing others overcoming personal obstacles helps gratitude grow for the opportunities that recovery offers.

 

• “Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition.”
  • Often, individuals in recovery develop a new, meaningful and more positive sense of identity.

 

• “Recovery involves challenging discrimination and shame and stigma.”
  • Recovery involves learning not to accept discrimination, shame and stigma.
  • This can involve learning to personally question or challenge them, and ultimately, proving them wrong.

 

• “Recovery involves (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community.”
  • Recovery involves gradually building or rebuilding what a person has lost or never had.
  • This can involve developing healthy family, social and personal relationships, but also improvements in quality of life, such as obtaining education, employment and housing.
  • Individuals can also become more involved in their community, help others and feel productive.

 

•  “Recovery is a reality. It can, will, and does happen.”