Pictures of Recovery
What does recovery look like to you?
In honor of Recovery Month 2020, we invited community members to share personal photos and stories to show that recovery is everywhere. We received over 200 photos!
We invite you to explore these stories. Some speak to personal recovery, others are from recovery allies or family members. There are photos representing advocacy, hope, professional service in the recovery field, and even pets that have helped make recovery possible. And some photos are meant to honor and remember a loved one lost too soon to the disease of addiction.
When we talk openly about substance use disorder and recovery, we help break stigma and model hope for others. Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories!
Recovery to me, is the changes I have made in my life to create a whole new lifestyle. I entered treatment three years ago and have realized recovery is work in progress. Recovery has given me the ability to live a fulfilling life with the help and support of sober connections, family, and friends I have now become the person I have always wanted to be, by living a healthier lifestyle.
My husband celebrates 20 years in recovery this year. His recovery journey is central to who he is and how he moves through the world. It's a big part of why I fell in love with him, and why we get to be parents to the most beautiful 1-year-old. Thank you and "Happy Birthday" my love!
I am participating in a family effort to honor my mother, by getting my lovely friend and terrific photographer to take this picture of me with a bas-relief my mother created of an angel. My mother's cruelty to me could scarcely be exaggerated, and, after decades of attempting to heal the relationship, I chose to give up, and seek only distance from her. Hope bloomed. I began a novel, exploring her early life, as well as mine, and finding and expressing my love that way. Letting go of any hope of reconciliation led to the most profound regeneration.
I am Anishinaabe, my name is Niizh Animikii; Second Thunderbird. This photo represents a gift in the form of a path. I was in and out for years, trying to get well. There came a tipping point, where I became willing to do what was asked. So I followed instructions, asked for help, and surrendered. What this life has allowed me to do, amazes me. A Ph.D, two Masters Degrees. A rewarding career in tribal service. A loving partner, a home. This path has responsibilities and challenges. But greater still, it has love and kindness. This, we get to share this with each other. With love, Dr Littlewolf
At Gateway Recovery Center, we offer an unmatched experience when detox needs arise and take a three-pronged approach when coordinating next steps following detox with clinical, continuing care and partnerships providing nothing but the best nexts steps, specific to each guest. Our team works 24/7 to provide a warm and welcoming environment for anyone starting the recovery journey or at a time where they need to hit reset and seek help. Partnerships are essential, community is key. Get to know our team, see the incredible experience and everything we do at gatewaydetoxmn.com!
First opened as a direct response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 1986, Pride Institute has become the leading provider in LGBTQIA+ specific treatment for substance use disorder and addiction. Nationally recognized, we provide residential and outpatient treatment services exclusively to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who are 18 years of age or older, around the world. We are in-network with all private insurances, as well as state funding through the state of Minnesota. Call today at 952-934-7554 or visit our website at pride-institute.com for more information.
A Vietnam Vet, good human being, loved Carlos Santana and baseball.Alcohol was his demise. Rest in peace, hermanito!
As a person in long term recovery of 12 years of continuous abstinence from all substances. Today I am a father to a wonderful 10 yr old boy. I Have sole legal and physical custody. I’ve raised Edward since he was an infant. Because of recovery, I have a relationship with my family again whom I was estranged from for over a decade because of heroin addiction. I’m a student and have 2 degrees in Human Services and a LADC! I have a partner who loves me and who I love unconditionally. I show up in people’s lives and am here to support those struggling within SUD. I’m a social justice advocate.
Because I Have Surrendered My Will To The Power of Gods Will....I Am Sober, I Am A Mother, I Am A Daughter, I Am A Sister, I Am A Grand Daughter. Taking It One Day, One Step At A Time. Sobriety To Me Means Having My Life Back And Most Importantly My Kids And My Family Back In My Life....By The Grace Of God I Am Alive And Living My Life Sober.....
This picture means growth in Recovery to me. This is a photo of us at our groundbreaking for our new home. This means a place for our family to always come to, and be together. In recovery all things are possible. We together have found recovery, and are living dreams that we could never have imagined. Less than 4 years ago we were actively using praying that something would save us because we were unable to save ourselves. Today life is filled with hopes and dreams, family, safety and daily blessings. Recovery is possible for anyone...
Zeus seemed to know what I couldn’t explain to any human. Part of my recovery is dealing with lifelong anxiety and depression. Early in recovery, lying awake in silent, desperate rumination, Zeus woke up, ambled over, and stretched himself across my legs (something he had never done before). It snapped me out of it for a moment, and I looked up. With a satisfying doggie sigh, Zeus fell asleep on me. He reminded me that I’m not alone. Gradually, I have learned the importance of connection and mindfulness, but I will always remember the seemingly hopeless night that Zeus taught me both.
Recovery has given me the opportunity to adopt this beautiful girl! Zena is my emotional support animal, reminding me to take care of myself first in order to share the love I have for the world around me and carry the message. In her spare time Zena enjoys napping, learning new tricks, and chasing her laser. Zena holds me accountable to stick to my routines and program and show up to support her like she supports me!
This is Joseph John Cooper, my great great grandfather. Despite the many interpersonal cruelties on that side of my family and the many addiction issues, he stands as a shining beacon from my past: hard-working, an inspiration to others, tender support to his mother, brave soldier in the Civil War who led his company when his commander fell, who passed up offers of fame and fortune in order to return to his hometown and continue the business he'd started before the war. I have this picture over my desk, and I converse with him in times of trouble about what to do next.
The things that filled me with suicidal and self destructive shame have become gifts that I can use to help others find hope and connection. It's my responsibility to carry the message. To give to others what was so freely given to me! The gift of Hope, Willingness and Recovery!! Through my community recovery meetings, family recovery supports, treatment centers and The Way Out Podcast; I share my experience, strength and hope. I pray that this helps some people receive the gift of recovery in their own life! #RecoveryWorks #Wedorecover
Recovery is a lifelong process, and social support is one of the most important factors in sustaining long-term recovery. To me, being a recovery ally means listening, educating myself (there is so much to learn and unlearn), and supporting those seeking freedom from addiction. Recovery is possible. Everyone deserves to have the chance at a life they dream of. Life grows even in the harshest of conditions.
