September is National Recovery Month which started in 1989 to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Recovery is commonly defined as the process of getting better from an illness or otherwise returning to a state of physical and mental health. In some alcohol and other drug treatment settings, the term ‘in recovery’ describes those participating in, or who’ve completed, an abstinence-based treatment program, or those who attend self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. People working in the alcohol and other drug field have different views about the idea of recovery and there is little agreement about what it means and involves or how to assess it.

For the purpose of this blog, I will speak from my personal experience and what has worked for me and millions of others and that is the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have successfully been in recovery for thirty-six years. There is a generational history of alcohol addiction in my family. The 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon, and Food Addicts in Recovery have all contributed greatly to my recovery.

Recovery usually refers to giving up alcohol and other drugs altogether. Recovery is a powerful period because, beyond everything else, it signifies that you know you have a problem and you are trying to fix it. Recovery does not mean you fix your issues right away. It means you recognize something is wrong, which is a critical part of getting help. Recovery is a process that is multi-layered and occurs over time.

As long as you are in Recovery, you are not actively suffering from the disease, though it may still impact you in many ways. People can stay in Recovery for their entire lives because there is no “cure for addiction. There is only treatment. While you can sustain treatment for a long time, you can’t take a pill that magically ends your addiction. 

Addiction is a brain disorder that impacts one physically, mentally and spiritually. In addition to sobriety or abstinence, recovery requires a change in behavior such as developing positive coping skills of honesty, relaxation, keeping a daily journal and gratitude list, developing a strong support network with other recovering people, service helping others who are struggling with addiction, and exercising regularly.

The spiritual tools of recovery involve believing in, accepting, and relying on a power higher rather than self, changing personal values. Spiritual growth evolves over time. Life shows up on a daily basis and provides many opportunities to turn our will and life over to a Higher Power which I chose to call God. Setting aside quiet time/meditation is also a part of the spiritual arsenal of recovery. In this time with our Higher Power, we listen, seeking the perspective, serenity, and strength that will enable us to stay abstinent and respond sanely to the challenges and joys of the day.

The Impact of Being in Recovery

Being in Recovery is a challenge every day. You have to make choices that uphold your sobriety, which takes concentration, intention and determination. Holding onto that each day can feel like a daunting challenge.

But Recovery also means taking one day at a time. Early in Recovery, it may even mean taking an hour or a minute at a time. Recovery is a process, and you have to experience it deeply to appreciate its meaning.

Addiction-related deaths are at an epidemic high in the United States of America. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000. The new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents that estimated overdose deaths from opioids increased to 75,673 in the 12-month period ending in April 2021, up from 56,064 the year before. 



Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine also increased in the 12-month period ending in April. 2021. Cocaine deaths also increased as did deaths from natural and semi-synthetic opioids (such as prescription pain medication.

Recognizing Addiction

Some of the signs of drug and alcohol misuse are:

• Getting high or drunk on a regular basis
• Lying, especially about the amount one is using or drinking
• Avoiding friends and family members
• Talking or thinking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
• Believing in needing to use or drink to have fun
• Taking excessive risk under the influence of a substance
• Diminishing work performance
• Feeling depressed or hopeless, or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Recovery from addiction is much more than mere abstinence from a substance or a behavior. Abstinence can be, and usually is, a fundamental component of the addiction recovery process, but abstinence does not necessarily equate to recovery.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recovery is a “process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”

Through the addiction recovery process, people can drastically change and improve their physical health, mental health, spiritual health, financial health, relationships, parenting skills, career capabilities, and the trajectory of their overall general life. The possibilities are endless. But in addition (did you read that as addiction?) to drastic life changes in all areas of life, recovery from addiction also teaches many valuable lessons.

   
    1.  Life has meaning and purpose. Sobriety can often be a catalyst for one’s sense of meaning and purpose in the world in a variety of ways, be it by being a better parent, a better colleague, a better friend, a better co-worker, a better member of the community, having a better sense of their spiritual experience on earth, and so on.

    2.  Self-Esteem Comes from Within. Self-esteem can be defined as one’s attitude towards themselves. More specifically, do they have a positive or negative view of themselves? Self-esteem is an extremely important component of mental well-being. 

If you are struggling with addiction, know that there is a spiritual solution which is one avenue to recovery. You don’t have to suffer in silence. The 12-step recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous will warmly welcome you. Knowledge of your illness is freedom. Recovery is the doorway to hope.

I invite you to step into recovery and out of the prison of addiction. Let’s celebrate Recovery Awareness Month by stepping into the light and eradicating the stigma.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 24/7 Helpline (800) 662-4357.