What does recovery look like to you?
In honor of Recovery Month 2020, share a photo that means “recovery” or “hope” to you. Photos submitted by August 30 will be included in the Walk for Recovery “Picture Recovery” Pop-Up Exhibit at the State Capitol grounds on September 19.
View the gallery of photos submitted to date!
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.
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!
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 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.
In my recovery I not only learned to love myself, but I found the love of my life. Gary and I have been married for 15 years now. We share a passion for quirky Americana, giant roadside architecture, and local dives and diners. When I was in active addiction, I couldn't imagine having the love and joy I've found in our partnership.There's nowhere I'd rather be than with him, on a long and winding road trip, cranking up the volume to our favorite car songs, and in search of the World's Largest Donut!
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.
This is a picture of my best friend Tracy who passed away in 2011 from a drug overdose. She is missed by so many family and friends. Her picture in my office and at home is a constant reminder of why I am committed to helping others achieve long term recovery.
This photo means the world to me, not just because it’s with my fiancé and my nephew. It means a lot to me because it shows that when you grow and recover it affects everyone just like your addiction does. I’m able to affect my nephew in a positive way. We were all wearing our sober squad shirts with pride to a family event. I have family that loves me and still supports me from my lowest times. And I’m even more grateful that I have sober support friends that turned into family. Recovery is family! Squad!
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!
Recovery has given me the ability to be the wife and mother that my family deserves. I am able to give my son the tools I was never given as a child; to be the person for him that I needed when I was younger. Because of my recovery, I am able to teach my son how to deal with big emotions, how to talk about our feelings, how to cope in healthy ways, and to always stay true to who he is. Through recovery, I have also discovered my true and authentic self. I have discovered my purpose, and found success in a way that fits MY life. Recovery has given me goals, dreams, inner peace, and self love.
