How Do We Recover?

Stefany Vaughn Mack, LPCC-S

When faced with the dilemma of how to help individuals in recovery, I think it’s important that we first recognize the difference in recovery and sobriety. Although these words may be used synonymously, I urge you to consider these differences.

Sobriety can simply be viewed as stopping the use/misuse of alcohol or illegal drugs. On the other hand, recovery is a process that results in an entire lifestyle change. It only happens when an individual first decides they want to change, and secondly makes a commitment to themselves (then family, spouses, children, employers, etc) for this change. Recovery truly begins when an individual desires to learn who they are, and become aware (and proud!) of their internal characteristics. It is having the ability to identify personal strengths, and even barriers, in an attempt to to get back to the autonomy of being oneself. This is the time when an individual begins to invest in their personal power to be a good, decent, human being with feelings, who wants to do better and be well again. 

Change must be wanted. An individual can not and should not do it alone, it takes a force greater than oneself to restore one to sanity. The support and fellowship are the foundation of recovery. We can debunk the myth that there is a forced religious component in recovery, because simply put, each individual acknowledges in their own way, this Higher Power. There is no requirement to practice any one religion or worship any one god. A majority of the clients I have worked with who actively engages in their recovery tells me that it only clicks when you acknowledge and allow yourself to become closer to a Higher Power. This is Step One. Without this, nothing afterwards falls into place. There is a significant level of effort necessary to make and maintain positive change while living in recovery. This requires a Higher Power. 

Recovery is not passive. It takes a daily effort. Sometimes, an hour by hour and minute by minute effort. It is intentional. It is purposeful. It is meaningful. It is worth it. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to our agency for help and support. You are worth it.