What Is Recovery? 

In this episode of the Recovery Rebirth Podcast, we attempt to define recovery. One very straightforward definition is “an improved quality of life”.  However someone improves their quality of life, it must be self directed, people can’t be coerced or coddled into recovery. Recovery should look at root causes, look for a future episode on this topic. 

Dom provides an overview of the concept of a recovery coach and the components of recovery: self-directed, empowering, a holistic approach, focuses on the person’s strength, peer support, focuses on the person’s strength, a sense of hope.

Jillian reflects on her early days in recovery when she felt disempowered and had a victim mentality. She shares t her experience with recovery, which has included learning to implement boundaries not being emotionally reactive when triggered by someone’s addiction. She observes that recovery is not allowing others behaviors/choices nor her own maladaptive coping mechanisms (rooted in codependency) dictate her life. It’s no longer operation on autopilot.

Recovery is a lifelong process. Just as people exercise their entire life to maintain their health and fitness, recovery has to be maintained to sustain recovery. Just as people have coaches in sports, recovery coaches understand “the game” and are honest about where you’re lacking and help hold you accountable. A good coach also helps you remove obstacles and problem solve. 

We touch on harm reduction, an incremental approach primarily focused on saving lives. Medically assisted treatment (MAT) is another component of harm reduction. Removing barriers to housing and breaking stigmas is also crucial to recovery!  We also discuss the concept of micro moves that lead to dramatic change and an improved quality of life. 

You are not alone and recovery is possible! We’re rooting for you!  #WeDoRecover 

Resources

Recovery Rebirth Episodes 

Boundaries

https://www.vivacityventures.com/boundaries/

Recovery Sponsorship and Accountability

https://www.vivacityventures.com/recovery-sponsorship-and-accountability/

Coping with Homelesness

https://www.vivacityventures.com/coping-with-homelessness/