3 things to know if you're interested in recovery
Taking the first steps toward recovery may feel daunting, but it’s a journey that can also offer hope, healing and personal growth.
Whether you’re struggling with substance use, behavioral addictions or simply feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, recovery provides a pathway forward. Recovery is about more than overcoming potentially harmful behaviors—it's about creating a fulfilling life where you can thrive.
If you’re considering recovery, this article will help you understand what recovery means, if it’s right for you and the various forms it can take. Remember, there’s no “right” way to recover. The best approach is the one that works best for you.
Here are three key things to know as you begin your recovery journey.
1. What is recovery?
Traditionally, in alcohol and drug treatment settings, recovery is associated with abstinence-based programs or 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, ’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) embraces a broader, more inclusive definition of recovery:
Recovery is the process of changing one's life to improve health, live a self-directed life and strive to reach one's full potential.
This approach supports multiple pathways to recovery for a variety of behaviors such as:
- Alcohol and substance use
- Disordered eating/eating disorders
- Self-harm
- Gaming
- Gambling
- Sex/porn
- Internet/social media use
- Shopping
- Risk-taking
- Nicotine
- Steroids
- Caffeine
- Overworking
- Other addictive or harmful behaviors
While many of these behaviors can be part of a balanced life, they have the potential to become addictive or cause significant harm when taken to extremes. This can result in compulsively repeating patterns or behaviors that result in negative consequences or experiences.
2. How do I know if recovery is right for me?
Determining whether recovery is appropriate for you is a personal experience that will require self-reflection. Consider the following questions:
- Have substances or specific behaviors negatively impacted your relationships, academic or work performance, mental health or physical well-being?
- Do you find yourself repeating patterns of use or behaviors that consistently lead to unwanted experiences?
- Has anyone expressed concern about your behaviors or substance use?
- Are you hoping to connect with a community of individuals who share similar experiences?
- Do you aspire to live a healthier or more balanced lifestyle?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, exploring recovery options could be beneficial. It's important to remember that recovery is a personal journey, and the CRC is available to help you discover the path that aligns with your needs and goals.
3. What are the pathways of recovery?
Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It's a dynamic process that can take various forms depending on individual circumstances, goals and habits.
Here are some common pathways:
Harm reduction
This approach focuses on minimizing the negative consequences associated with substance use or addictive behaviors. It can be a steppingstone to other recovery pathways or a long-term strategy.
Moderation
This approach involves consciously moderating, reducing or changing your relationship with one or more substances or behaviors that have been causing harm.
Partial abstinence
This pathway involves discontinuing the use of a particular substance or ceasing a specific harmful behavior while maintaining awareness of other potentially problematic substances or behaviors.
Sobriety
This is the complete discontinuation of all substances and behaviors that cause harm. It's often associated with traditional recovery programs but can be pursued through various means, including therapy, support groups or self-directed change.
It's important to recognize that your recovery path may evolve over time as your life circumstances change or as you gain deeper insights into your habits and needs. The CRC is committed to providing community, connection and support to help you navigate these options and find a recovery approach that works for you.
Whether you're dealing with substance use issues, behavioral addictions or simply seeking a more balanced life, there are resources and communities available to support your journey.
Recovery resources
Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC)
The CRC provides support meetings, events and peer-support for students, staff and faculty interested in pursuing recovery. The CRC office is also open for studying, socializing and drop-in support.
Sober housing
The CRC offers dedicated sober housing for students on the north side of campus through their CORE Housing program. This program is open to full-time undergrad and graduate students who have been accepted into the CORE membership program and have a preferred six months of continuous sobriety from all drugs and alcohol.