I cherish the freedom that recovery has given me to create goals, actualize dreams, and share a connectedness with so many authentic and genuine people – those in recovery.
But we have been silent for too long; our experiences speak to the ability and value of change, overcoming tremendous obstacles, and finding solutions for how to live a productive and contented life.
~ Marilyn Davis, a long-term recoverer
The Recovery Movement is real and it’s spreading throughout the country. The movement promotes a new approach to treating substance-use disorders. It recognizes and supports a person’s potential for recovery. Originating from the 12-Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous and the civil rights movement, it views recovery as a journey, rather than a single event.
Proponents of this movement work to tear down barriers—societal, legal, and in health provision—faced by people seeking recovery. In the past, the general public often assumed that recovery from addiction was rare, partly due to the anonymity retained by those in long-term recovery. Because of the stigma, people in recovery kept quiet, and as a result, few people understood how prevalent recovery was.
The sensational media coverage of celebrities in active addiction added to the misconception that recovery from addiction was rare, something that runs counter to the truth that substance-use disorder is a very treatable health condition.
The good news is that because of the Recovery Movement, attitudes towards addiction recovery are changing, and there is greater public awareness of substance-use disorders and treatment options. Policies are slowly being changed to ensure better access to services.
Recovery community organizations are opening up nationwide, providing post-treatment support and giving those in long-term recovery an opportunity to pay it forward.
In 2013, a feature documentary, The Anonymous People, was released. It showcases the Recovery Movement, and highlights the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. This is a huge step in spreading the good news of the reality of recovery.
For many Americans, the first step in joining the Recovery Movement is the one that takes them through the doors of an addiction-treatment center.
We invite you into our fully licensed detox and residential addiction-treatment center to witness the reality of recovery for yourself. If you or someone you care about is ready to join the 23.5 million Americans in recovery, contact us today to speak with an addiction specialist.
