Recently, I had the great pleasure of talking with men and women in long-term recovery. They opened up about building new lives.

Their kind and generous responses are too rich not to share.

In this post, and again in two weeks, please allow me to offer their words.
If you are suffering with the love of someone who has an addiction, may this wisdom bring you some comfort.

Kevin B., parent
The best part of recovery from a parental point of view….the metamorphosis. Witnessing your loved one transform into the person they were meant to be.

Michael G. , 30 years
“Recovery” is incredibly difficult to define and unique to everyone. I believe recovery consists of several dimensions but is based on the core condition of hope. Hope means we believe recovery is real, that it is possible, that we are resilient and can overcome our unique barriers, obstacles and challenges. The instillation of hope, particularly early in recovery, is perhaps the most motivating therapeutic factor that exists.

Gary Z.,  21 years
Recovery for me is CHOICE. When I was actively using I had no idea that I had a choice NOT TO USE. Every day for the past 21 + years I have been given the choice to stay clean and sober or to try and resolve my burdens by picking up again. Today was no different than yesterday and 1 day at a time I choose to stay in recovery.

Sam H.,  8 years
Recovery to me is New Life… Along with this new life has come new perspective, ideals, goals, and view of who I am and where I am in the world…. For me to have a relationship with my God and a community prescribed to me by God … is wonderful beyond measure. I never could have imagined a community would spring up around me with so much love and transparency.

John M., 13 years
Being healed of the spiritual disconnect at the root of my alcoholism. Aka being spiritually connected

And this, from my son who celebrates ten years this month…

Jacob H., 10 years
Recovery is a way of life. It’s a journey without a final destination…..
As the big book says, I have recovered, past tense, from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. This is the base level for recovery. What happens after that, for the rest of my life, is a way of living. That path is to grow spiritually, and to be helpful. It’ll be 10 years in January!

May their words give all of us who love those with an addiction the strength to take care of ourselves, and the hope that our beloveds will live full and healthy lives, again.