Although the chronic disease of addiction can grip people in different ways despite age, educational background or race, recovery is possible. Getting needed treatment, establishing a support system, maintaining hope, embracing resilience , and staying determined TO grow are five important components of recovery. Mental health experts, Najamah Davis, owner of Najamah Davis Counseling Services, and Casondra Burkley, owner of Conquering the Obstacles of Painful Experiences, provide professional insight into recovery in a second part of a National Recovery Month series.
Photo credit: Eyes On YOU Photography
About Recovery
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported (https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery ) that 50.2 million American adults considered themselves to be in recovery from their substance use and/or mental health problems. Additionally, this includes 2 in 3 adults who ever had a mental health problem and 7 in 10 adults who ever had a substance use problem.
What is a lesser-known fact about recovery?
Davis, MSW, LCSW, and LCADC notes that recovery is not only about stopping substance use— it is also about rebuilding a sense of connection, purpose, and identity.
“For many, healing relationships and learning healthier coping strategies are just as important as sobriety itself,” she said.
Recovery is a process, not a finish line.
The length of recovery depends on several factors, including the type of substance, how long it was used, and how deeply it became a coping mechanism, Burkley, LCSW-S, M.Div, LSSGB, ADS-CEO, explained.
She added, “For some, recovery involves weeks or months of treatment. For others, it becomes a lifelong journey of learning to live beyond the pain and trauma that fueled the addiction in the first place. Even if someone stops using, the impact can remain, like liver damage from alcohol use or the ongoing emotional triggers tied to trauma. Recovery is about progress, not perfection. It is a commitment to healing, one day at a time.”
Families and friends can support loved ones who struggle with addiction.
Burkley stated that families and friends play a critical role in a person’s recovery. The best support is rooted in compassion, not judgment.
“Avoid ultimatums or shaming, which can deepen isolation. Instead, focus on being a steady presence that reminds your loved one they are not alone,” she advised.
Show up willing to help your loved one with love and by adhering to boundaries.
Burkley advised that one way to remember how to show up is through the acronym H.E.L.P.
• H – Hold space with compassion
“Sometimes just being present, without pressure or judgment, speaks louder than words. Compassion allows your loved one to feel seen and valued, even in their struggle,” Burkley noted.
• E – Establish boundaries with love
“Support does not mean enabling harmful behavior. Healthy boundaries communicate, ‘I love you, and I want you to heal, but I cannot excuse the behaviors that block your healing.’ Boundaries protect both you and your loved one,” Burkley explained.
• L – Learn about trauma and recovery
Burkley stated that addiction rarely happens in a vacuum.
“It is often connected to unhealed trauma. The more families educate themselves about trauma, substance use, and healing practices, the better they can understand what their loved one is facing. Knowledge transforms frustration into empathy.”
• P – Promote healing through treatment and resources
Burkley suggested that supporters of people who are recovering from addictions can encourage them to pursue therapy, participate in recovery groups, and seek faith-based support, or holistic practices that help to regulate the body and mind.
“Even when your loved one resists, your encouragement plants seeds of hope and reminds them that healing is possible. Healing becomes more possible when families stand as allies, not adversaries while always remembering that you do not have to agree with someone to support them.”
Recovery Resources to Note
Burkley mentioned that recovery resources can be beneficial to people in recovery, and their friends and families who support them. She named three specific sources, including:
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline online.
• NAATP: National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers helps people to find trusted, licensed, and accredited treatment providers. NAATP offers education on treatment types, quality metrics, and ethical care. Find out more via https://www.naatp.org.
• The Salvation Army Recovery Programs offer structured recovery services including residential programs, counseling, and support for individuals seeking healing from addiction. Please refer to ttps://www.salvationarmyusa.org/recovery/ for details.
Learn more about Najamah Davis Counseling Services via www.nd-counselingservices.com, and Conquering the Obstacles of Painful Experiences by visiting www.morethancope.com.
