What Does Recovery Mean to You?

What Does Recovery Mean to You?

If you do a quick search on what recovery means, you’ll likely find a lot of varying definitions. Recovery is a pretty broad term, and while we could narrow it down a bit by adding the context (recovery from a sports injury, recovery from cancer, recovery from alcoholism, etc.), that still doesn’t exactly tell us what it means. The term “recovery” gets used a lot, but did you know that it’s actually quite subjective? We all have different approaches to recovery and what that means for us – so it’s important that while you’re navigating your own road to recovery, you explore the different components that make up that road for you.

When we talk about alcoholism recovery, there are a few recovery components that typically come to mind: sobriety, group therapy (maybe 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous), and relapse prevention. There’s a lot more that can come from this, however, because alcoholism and other addictions can affect nearly every aspect of our lives – our relationships, our finances, our health, our career success and more. A few years ago, researchers wanted to take a peek at how others overcoming substance abuse defined recovery; they found four different domains with 35 recovery elements total. Here is a brief (but not complete) breakdown of what the participants talked about during the study:

  • Abstinence – (withholding from using substances, living a life of sobriety, etc.)
  • Essential Recovery – (being honest with oneself, being able to enjoy life without drinking, etc.)
  • Enriched Recovery – (reacting to the ups and downs of life in a much more balanced and healthy way than before, accepting responsibility for the things one can change, etc.)
  • Spirituality of Recovery – (giving back, helping others, incorporating spirituality or religion, etc.)

The way you describe your story of recovery could inspire others to take a stand for theirs. Specific challenges shape you, and the accomplishments are what make it all worth it. As you continue to build up your strength in building a life that makes you happier and healthier, write down some keywords that stand out to you. Explore what have been some of the most transformational lessons for you so far. Recovery is often described as a lifelong journey, but it’s worth it in the end. As TV host, comedian, and author Craig Ferguson once stated, “I got sober. I stopped killing myself with alcohol. I began to think: ‘Wait a minute – if I can stop doing this, what are the possibilities?’ And slowly it dawned on me that it was maybe worth the risk.”

Cumberland Heights in Chattanooga is a 12-step based outpatient alcohol and drug addiction program. Our Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for individuals 18 and above who may be in the early stages of addiction and alcoholism, or who are experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol. We offer both personalized assessments and flexible treatment hours to suit your needs. If you’re ready to take that first step towards your recovery journey, call us today for more information at 423-308-0689.