Every September, the success of those achieving their goals, or those in the process of doing so, is rightly celebrated. Pandemic or not, 2020 is no different. Recovery has a different meaning from one person to the next and so regardless of where someone is within their ‘journey’, they should give themselves a big pat on the back.
Throughout September, we will be acknowledging the journey people have undertaken to get to where they are today, not just in relation to their substance use, but their life as a whole. Recovery is much more than just changing your drug use behaviour, it is the impact such adjustments can have on a person’s life; whether it be rebuilding relationships, gaining employment or becoming more resilient and confident in everything you do.
We will continue to raise awareness around substance use and challenge the stigma associated to such behaviour, something that can act as a major barrier for someone to achieve their goals.
So what is Recovery?
The definition set out within Welsh Government’s ‘Substance Misuse Treatment Framework (SMTF) Recovery Oriented Integrated Systems of Care‘ is: ‘Recovery from problematic drug or alcohol use is defined as a process in which the difficulties associated with substance misuse are eliminated or significantly reduced, and the resulting personal improvement becomes sustainable.’
However, many perceive recovery to be whatever the person undertaking that journey believes it to mean, whether that be abstinence; a reduction in their own substance use; or accessing a needle exchange for the first time. You can check out a short video of what recovery means in Wales via our YouTube channel.
If you are proud of what you have achieved, whether you are still working towards your end goal or are already there, and you’d like to share your story to inspire others, we’d love to hear from you. Just email info@barod.cymru and we’d be more than happy to discuss how we can share your story.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Twitter pages throughout September where we will be sharing inspiring stories of some of our service users and celebrate their success. You can also access some of the content below.
Click on any of the below stories to read or watch people’s unique journey’s to recovery:
#MileForRecovery (video) – A virtual recovery walk celebrating and acknowledging those who are at the start, middle or end of their recovery journey
Nikita’s story (Video) – Watch Nikita’s story, going from heroin use, to being able to look at herself in the mirror again
This is my story (3 minute read) – A 16-year-old’s insight into their struggles with substance use, living in care and believing no-one cared for them
Sam’s journey (Video) – Sam’s journey from alcohol dependency to volunteering with Barod and undertaking a degree
Martin’s story (Video) – Who’s in Charge? Martin’s journey of recovery from alcohol use
Benefits of cutting alcohol out of my life (Video) – Martin explains some of the benefits he has noticed since he has stopped drinking alcohol
What does ‘Recovery’ mean in Wales (Video) – A short animated video of what ‘Recovery’ means in Wales
Dear Alcohol… (10 minute read) – A good bye letter to alcohol and how Tasha now feels more alive than ever