To fully grasp the importance of what is a recovery community, let’s look at the definitions of the words “recovery” and “community” and see how they fit together as a foundation for success.
Recovery –
- the act or process of recovering.
- the regaining of something lost or taken away.
- restoration or return to any former and better condition, esp. to health from sickness, injury, addiction, etc.
- something that is gained in recovering.
Community –
- a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
- a similarity or identity.
- joint ownership or liability.
When recovery begins, it is leaving behind the addictive substance.
There is much more at stake than just the behavior of using. Recovery, to an addict, is the restoring of a life once doomed by addictive behavior. Often times the downward spiral of addiction leaves a wake of destruction behind. There are financial implications, damaged relationships, and emotional as well as spiritual emptiness. Many people also experience legal ramifications of their behavior.
Since every situation is different, the road to recovery differs from person to person. This is why a sense of community is critical. Addiction can be very isolating and humiliating. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals with common goals is paramount. Here, you will find people who have suffered the same consequences and experienced the same loss and shame from their behavior. This builds a sense of belonging that is no longer isolated and come with a great sense of hope.
We see what recovery is and what a community can be for an addict.
So what is a recovery community? There are many different outlets for an addict depending on their addiction. Most recovery programs encourage meetings to attend. These meetings will not only give you a place to engage with other addicts for recovery solutions, but will also promote a sense of community. Often times, there are monthly celebrations of recovery milestones.
A community of addicts will guide the individual into understanding the behaviors that contributed to the addictive behavior. Since the substance is not the issue, healing can begin. Human contact, one-on-one with others is essential. There are many accounts of individuals who regain a sense of purpose, reconstruct a life destroyed and mend relationships torn apart.
Regardless of the addiction, there is success in recovery.
Finding your place will build a foundation for that success. Your recovery community can offer the experience of others, commons goals, accountability and hope for your future.
References:
Community – definition of community by The Free Dictionary. (n.d.).
Recovery – definition of recovery by The Free Dictionary. (n.d.).