Recovery

Recovery Defined

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. SAMHSA Press Office 2011

What does Recovery mean to you?

An exercise to start your thinking process:

•Write down your answer to this question•Re-evaluate after training•Share how your thoughts have changed with a peer

Dimensions Health – Overcoming or managing one’s

disease(s)through abstinence – as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way.

Home – A stable and safe place to live. Purpose – Meaningful daily activities, such as a job,

school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.

Community – Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

Four Dimensions of Recovery

Individuals and Families

HOME Permanent

Housing

COMMUNITY Peer/Family/

Recovery NetworkSupports

PURPOSE Employment/

Education

HEALTH Recovery

HealthWellness

(SAMHSA, 2011)

Guiding Principle

s of Recovery

Guiding Principles: Recovery --Has many pathways. Is self-directed and

empowering. Involves a personal

recognition of the need for change and transformation.

Is holistic. Has cultural dimensions. Exists on a continuum of

improved health and wellness.

Emerges from hope and gratitude. Involves a process of healing self-

redefinition. Involves addressing discrimination

and transcending shame and stigma.

Is supported by peers and allies. Involves (re)joining and (re)building

a life in the community. Is a Reality.

Spectrum of AttitudesFrom Discovering the Meaning of Prevention: A Practical Approach to Positive Change

By William A. Lofquist

The Spectrum of Attitudes focuses on the nature and quality of relationships between and among people. The three attitudes making up the spectrum might prevail in any kind of relationship.

People Viewed as Objects: The basis of this attitude is that one person or group of people “ knows what’s best” for another person or group of people. Or the first person or group may decide they have a right to determine the circumstances under which the second person or group will exist. The person being viewed and treated as an object usually knows it.

People viewed as RecipientsHere is an attitude of respect by the first person or group toward what the other person or group can do. This attitude and the behaviors that follow it can be closely associated with two members of great concern: self-esteem and productivity. Creating a culture in which people are viewed as resources is a worthy goal.

1. Discuss with the group one time where you felt you were viewed as an object? How did you feel?

2. Discuss with the group one time where you felt you were viewed as a recipient? How did you feel?

3. Discuss with the group one time where you felt you were viewed as a resource? How did you feel?

LabelsWords shape perceptions. The language we use to describe a person is powerful. The words we

use, even with good intention, have the ability to cause the opposite effect.

So … Use person first language – Language that puts the person before the disability, and describes what a person has, not who a person is.

StigmaWebster defines stigma

stig·ma noun \ˈstig-mə\: a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something

What can we change?

Many Pathways• 12 step• Faith-based•Medication-assisted• Inpatient treatment•Wellness• Exercise• Peer support

Recovery Capitol

Build on an individual’s strengths and capacities, sum of all resources (physical, human, social)

Recovery goals mutually agreed upon Identified areas of support and challenge Achievement strategies and Milestones Reevaluate and modify

Maslow

The First Year of Recovery

1. Confusion about “healthy”.2. Pain due to loss or

lessening of the sexual fix. 3. Codependency & fear of

abandonment.4. Painful emotions.5. Shame and non-

acceptance of self.

6. Difficulty surrendering to 12-step and making recovery a priority.

7. Difficulty relating to family, spouse, and children.

8. Lack of acceptance by community, family and friends.

Eight Basic Universal Problems

Adapted from P. Carnes re: Sex Addiction