Recovery is connection. Connecting with others and belonging to a community can improve a number of areas of mental health. In fact, those who feel closely connected to friends, family and peers tend to have lower rates of depression, suicide and addiction. Additionally, feeling connected gives us a sense of belonging, support and purpose throughout our lives.
Defining recovery
Recovery can look different for everyone. At the Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC), recovery is defined as a process of change through which people strive to improve their health, live a self-directed life and reach their full potential. This broader definition allows the CUCRC to support multiple paths to recovery, including sobriety, abstinence and moderation.
It’s also important to know that recovery isn’t exclusive to drug and alcohol use.
Recovery covers a broad range of behaviors like:
While some of these behaviors may be normal to engage in, they can also be harmful or addictive. In addiction, many people feel compelled to repeat patterns that cause or result in harm or unwanted experiences.