Recovery begins the minute someone seeks help for addiction, but it is a lifelong journey that may have many paths and bumps.
This journey to recovery often starts with treatment, because this helps a person break the hold that addiction has on mental and physical health.
Continued support by others who are or have been in a similar situation can help people recover. These programs are called “peer support groups.” Some may be based on the “twelve-step program,” such as Alcohol or Narcotics Anonymous.
Another source for peer-support in Vermont is Recovery Coaches who are in recovery for their own addiction and who have been trained to help support and guide others through the recovery journey. Recovery Coaches do not replace counseling or other recovery services, but can help people improve and sustain recovery and wellness in all life areas—like health, living and working situations, and relationships. Recovery coaches work with recovery centers and even emergency departments to provide support when people may need it most.
“I was once a very sick person, but I have recovered.
And now I in turn am trying to help people.”
Recovery Centers are places where people can find recovery programs within communities. These centers can help us establish connections, employment, and stable housing. There are even programs for families to help get through the toll addiction takes.
Many recovery centers have employment programs to help people find meaningful employment. They assist with resumes, interview skills, identify job openings, and work with recovery-friendly employers.
Some recovery centers have programs to support Moms in Recovery through safe, judgment- free spaces where moms can connect with each other and to additional services for mothers and children.
Recovery housing creates a substance-free living environment to help people transition from treatment programs and help establish a new routine without alcohol or other drugs. Here people support each other until there is readiness and stability to move back home or to a new home.
Since addiction can be influenced by genes, upbringing, social groups, and living environments, it’s important to focus on wellbeing in all of these areas during the recovery journey. This can sometimes be difficult, which is why support and understanding can be so helpful.
“I am a new creation. I am a new person.
I am not who I used to be.”
The best way to learn about recovery options in Vermont and to find the recovery services that are right for you, your family or friend, is to talk to a caring professional.
You can also call the Vermont Recovery Network at (802) 738-8998 or visit VTRecoveryNetwork.org.
If you are interested in becoming a Recovery Coach and helping others through their recovery, contact Recovery Vermont at (802) 223-6263 or visit RecoveryVermont.org and learn about the Recovery Coach Academy.
For free and confidential alcohol and drug support and referral services, call 802-565-LINK (5465) or visit VTHelplink.org.