Sep 21, 20234 min read

Rooted in Recovery

By: Jess Laurino, LCSW

September is National Recovery Month, a time for observance of people that we love who are actively battling substance abuse, and those we have lost to addiction. It’s also a dedicated month to honor those who have chosen to walk the path of recovery, cultivating a life of balance, peace, and well-being in sobriety. Whether you are seasoned in recovery, or contemplating what recovery would look like for you, this is a valuable time to engage in conversation about pathways towards holistic health.

What is Recovery?

We often see recovery defined as “a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength,” and “continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness,” but what does it mean to truly be in Recovery with one’s mind, body, spirit, and community? Recovery is not linear, nor is it a one-size-fits-all model. When I think of recovery, I don’t just think about stopping a problematic behavior, but I think about what it means to dig into the roots of ourselves, to find the source of bleeding that we have tried endlessly to band-aid with substances, food, sex, relationships, shopping .... you name it, we’ve tried it. Processing and growth can truly begin when we are willing to look toward more sustainable healing through a deeper understanding of ourselves, our experiences, and the world around us; and how all of this contributes to our behaviors, habits, and addictions.

Take a moment to think about your life...

What have you turned to when seeking comfort?
What experiences have shaped you?
What did you learn about substances and addiction in childhood and through family
How has society and culture impacted your behaviors?
What have you seen in media that influence use?

By traveling inward and developing a deeper understanding of our inner and outer worlds, we can begin to take inventory of what and who are helping us to propel forward, to grow, cultivate, and heal, and what and who are not in alignment with our highest potential, true and healthiest self.

If it is helpful to visualize, think about your life and wellness in sections; Physical, Emotional, Social, Environmental, Spiritual, Financial, Occupational, and Intellectual. Take inventory of what is currently helping or harming you in these areas. See if you can start small, by adding or replacing at least one thing from each section.

Where to begin?

When we are contemplating a life of recovery, the first steps can feel uncertain, daun8ng, overwhelming, and lonely.

A helpful place to start is by first a few deep breaths.

INHALE, I am worthy and deserving of peace and healing... EXHALE, I release all that no longer serves me...

INHALE, I am worthy and deserving of peace and healing... EXHALE, I release all that no longer serves me...

You are not alone.

Though we can independently make the decision to get sober, we do not have to walk this path alone. Remember, that even if we can’t see them, there are countless others walking alongside of us. Recovery is often rooted in community. By sharing in support with others, we can deepen the healing process and establish connections for when we need a little extra support along the way. A component of recovery support is a give-and-take relationship – to receive support from the community but to give back to your community members in equal partnership. It’s important to find a community that feels inclusive, comfortable, and supportive for your recovery journey and in this everchanging way of technology, many support groups offer virtual spaces as an option.

Below is a list of a few resources available for those interested in recovery:

White Bison Wellbriety: Culturally appropriate 12-step program for Native American/Alaska Natives based on the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, Cycle of Life, and the Four Laws of Change.
Alcoholics Anonymous: 12-step and peer-led spiritual program for alcohol use disorder.
Narcotics Anonymous: 12-step and peer-led spiritual founda8on for other substance use disorders.
SMART Recovery: Cognitive Behavioral skills-based peer-led program without a spiritual component.
Gay & Sober: LGBTQ2S+ resource for a safe, inclusive space for sobriety, health, and wellness.
Dharma Recovery: Peer-led recovery group based on Buddhist principles.
Secular Organization for Sobriety: (S.0.S): Atheist and agnostic peer-led program.
Women for Sobriety: Spiritual peer-led program for women.
Al-Anon: a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s substance abuse.

In honor of all our relatives who are considering walking this path, who are actively walking this path, who have stepped off the path, who are grieving someone they lost along this path, we see you, and we hear you and are walking alongside you.

Nizhoni Counseling hopes to continue to serve you through mental health services, and cultural and community connection. On September 30th, we will be holding a Recovery Retreat Celebration from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Los Jardines Institute. Please head over to our upcoming events page or follow us on Instagram @nizhonicounseling to learn more about upcoming events. We hope to see you there.