Let’s start by explaining what recovery is not. A myth that needs to be dispelled is that “quitting is recovery”. Quitting is not recovery.

Quitting, when it happens, is a moment in time, a defining moment and obviously very important. Recovery, especially from years of being dependent on some substance or compulsive behavior is much more. Webster’s dictionary defines the word “recovery”: “to restore or bring back from loss”.

As wonderful as the decision to quit may be, it is not recovery.
A person who has spent months, years, or decades in a destructive lifestyle has a lot of work to do. As challenging as it may appear, it is well worth the time and energy to restore and mend broken relationships with spouses, parents, children and siblings. Recovery is a process, not an event.

Most of those in recovery have no real concept of the damage they may have done to themselves and others. Recovery is a physical, mental and spiritual process. This process looks a little different for each person. It is a time to be patient and to rebuild trust.