What Does It Really Mean to Be RecOVERed?
Recovery from addiction is often seen as a never-ending state of being, but what if we challenged that notion? What if, instead of seeing ourselves as perpetually “in recovery,” we embraced the idea of being fully recovered?
Let’s explore what it truly means to reclaim your life after addiction, shifting your perspective from a lifelong struggle to one of empowerment, freedom, and lasting transformation.
From Recovery to RecOVERed
Traditional addiction recovery programs focus on exactly that—the recovery. The long hours spent struggling with withdrawals, the daily effort to resist temptation, and the intense process are all crucial to healing your body from your addiction.
Once you reach that point, however, you are no longer “in recovery.” You are recovered. And that mindset makes all the difference for your life after addiction.
Your Words Have Power
You’ve probably heard that words have power, and that’s because it’s true. The words you use to describe yourself and your experience with addiction directly influence your beliefs and your actions, so it’s important to choose the right ones.
Let’s talk about why we love the word “recovered.” Right in the middle is the word “over.” When you’re recovered (past tense), you are over your addiction physically, and it’s important to stay over it emotionally and mentally as well.
Being over your addiction means that you are no longer defined by it. You are not stuck in its shadow. It’s an experience you went through, but it is not who you are. Your true, authentic self that has always been there now has a chance to shine. You can look forward to life after addiction as your real self, doing the things you were born to do.
Removing Harmful Labels
With the power of your words in mind, work to let go of the old labels others may have given you or you may have given yourself. You are not “an addict”—you are someone who has recovered from an addiction.
Try not to think of yourself as “in recovery.” That phrase can easily tie you to the past, to an inaccurate version of yourself. Instead, refer to yourself as “recovered” and ready to achieve the goals, hopes, and dreams you’ve always had. Your identity isn’t your past addiction. Your identity is your current, healed self who’s ready to grow and live life to the fullest.
This is so much easier said than done, and difficult labels tend to stick if we don’t have help to remove them. For support and encouragement as you work through this shift in labels and mindset, consider Todd’s RecoverED course or individual coaching sessions to help free yourself and build a positive life after addiction.
What RecOVERed Looks Like
So what does it look, feel, and sound like to be recovered?
Being recovered means using positive words and positive beliefs to fuel positive actions. It means setting yourself free and becoming who you were meant to be: your whole, authentic self you were before addiction. It means starting a new life after addiction, one where your goals and dreams become real. Being fully recovered means hope for the future.
Podcast guest Gabe Schiavone recently shared his story of being recovered and what it looks like for him: After chasing his dreams in the rock’n’roll industry, Gabe was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and prescribed opioids as part of his treatment. Gabe beat his cancer, but he became addicted to the medication, turning to a life of drug use and dealing on the streets.
Since his decision to get help and get back on track, he’s experienced a deep change and a deep restoration to his true, pre-addiction self. He’s making connections and building a community in his job at the local grocery store. He’s finding joy in serving others and doing the little things to take care of himself. And he’s even making music again.
Gabe’s dreams and hopes for life after addiction are real. He’s recovered. And you can be too.
Your True, Authentic Self—and More
Being recovered allows you to get back to your true, authentic self you were before your experience with addiction. The beauty is that you now have a wealth of wisdom and strength gained from the journey.
Everything you worked so hard to learn can help you lean into your true self and become even more. The possibilities in your life after addiction are endless with the power and knowledge you’ve worked hard for in your quest to become recovered.
You Can Experience the Freedom of Being RecOVERed
Life after addiction isn’t easy, especially when you feel stuck in a label that’s holding you to your past. Know that being fully recovered is possible. Your addiction is in the past, and great things are in the future.
To learn more about what it means to be recovered and get support, don’t hesitate to explore our resources or reach out. Freedom, wholeness, and hope are within reach.
