Component

Person In Recovery:  To me, recovery means.

Initiating recovery

·         a pivotal transforming moment, a breakthrough of self-perception, a wake up call

·         admitting and accepting that I have a problem

·         changing the way I live, my perceptions

·         overcoming my environment

·         responsibility and accountability for my actions

·         learning to take feedback

·         honesty, open-mindedness, willingness

·         self-knowledge which allows me to not repeat old behaviors

Hope, confidence and commitment

·         spiritual awakening

·         willingness to go through difficult times without self medicating

·         breaking down the intensity of shame

·         being loved by others until I learn to love myself

·         a commitment to change

·         inner strength

·         getting hope back

·         having confidence in myself

·         self-esteem

·         seeing someone else that is an inspiration

·         guidance from others

·         learning by example that recovery is possible

·         faith

·         making an honest assessment of oneself

·         the willingness to continue to ask for help in any area of my life

Understanding and accepting self

·         education about addiction

·         finding myself

·         setting boundaries

·         finding balance

·         rebirth

·         becoming a whole person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually

·         understanding I am not perfect

·         managing my emotions

·         caring about myself

·         getting over feelings of guilt

·         learning to be patient

·         having humility

·         making peace with the past

·         the realization that I am  not a bad person

·         finding happiness, feeling joyous and free

Relationships with family, friends, and supportive others

·         learning who to trust

·         asking for help

·         taking a risk in engaging in a relationship

·         learning how to trust others and myself

·         friends

·         not letting my kids down

·         separation  from those that use

·         being involved in 12-step groups and other supports

·         helping others

·         having education and ongoing supports for families

Maintaining recovery

·         knowledge of recovery process

·         learning how to live again, pay bills, life skills

·         a dynamic, ongoing process

·         learning recovery promoting skills like how to self-soothe

·         daily behaviors that support recovery

·         morals, teachings, structure

·         healing my body, mind and spirit

·         education

·         employment

·         development of new coping mechanisms (support network, prayer, etc.)

·         helping others, sponsorship

·         having access to safe, sober housing

·         conscious contact with a power greater than myself

·         spirituality

Community supports

·         getting a job

·         owning my own home

·         having a family

·         running  my own business

·         trying to be a helpful person in society

·         social activities, church, fellowship

·         integrity and honesty

·         sober sports,  bowling leagues, dance clubs, and meeting places

·         mentoring

Promoting positive views of recovery

·         being able to get a job

·         being able to buy a house

·         opportunities to be visible in the community as a person in recovery

·         opportunities for recovery while in the criminal justice system and options to support that recovery upon leaving the criminal justice system

·         participating in recovery advocacy activities

Becoming an empowered citizen

·         helping others, giving back

·         being a productive member of society

·         greater involvement in community and awareness of others

·         acts of community service