Blog

Recovery from Substance Use is about Patience and Possibilities 

08/19/2022
This month, SouthLight celebrates those living in and through substance use recovery, letting them know there is a community ready to wrap their arms around them, and focus on the hope and possibilities. 

“Unfortunately, through my travels in life, I did some things that I regret, but I don’t regret them because it helped me come back to understanding of some of the harm that I had done,” he says. I learned, “If you really want to change your life, it can be changed.”

Advice from a Peer: Recovery is about Patience

Kenneth can tell you a lot about recovery. He works with people every day who are transitioning from incarceration back into our community, many who have or continue to struggle with substance use challenges. They connect with Kenneth, a SouthLight Peer Support Specialist because he’s walked in their shoes.

Recovery means patience.

Recovery is helping people.

Recovery is every day, says Kenneth. 

What does “recovery” mean to you?

We reached out to some of our SouthLight staff and clients to ask them what’s possible with recovery and what it means to them. 

Recovery means to change your lifestyle.

Recovery means possibilities.

Recovery teaches you how much you matter. 

Recovery means resilience. 

Recovery means life to me. 

Recovery means perseverance–pushing through each day. 

Recovery means anybody can start over and make a new beginning.

Recovery showed me all kinds of things I didn’t think I’d be able to do. 

Recovery showed me how many people had been waiting for the chance to give me the help I needed. 

Recovery means a better life for me and my family. 

Recovery is a process. It has no end, just the promise of getting better and better.

Substance use recovery is a journey.

Just as no two people are alike, recovery from substance use, addiction and mental health challenges is a journey that means different things to different people. And like each person, each journey is unique, sometimes fraught with challenges but also filled with moments of joy and hope.

Wherever you are on your journey, know that you never have to walk it alone. When you’re ready, SouthLight is here for you. Call 919-787-6131.