Episode 286: The Recovery Cycle

Maybe you’re familiar with the Cycle of Addiction, a repeating set of stages (and downward spiral) that many of us have experienced to one degree or another. Host John Sheldon’s guest on this episode of The Beyond Belief Sobriety Podcast invites us to look at a mirror image – a Cycle of Recovery tracing a replicable process for moving towards healing. Author Joi Andreoli has designed a highly visual – and positive – framework for recovery that will inspire you with its openness and emphasis on the power of connection. Her new book also offers two different tracks – one an easy-to-follow manual for recovering individuals and the other sound clinical instruction geared towards mental health professionals and drug counselors.

A licensed marriage and family therapist who is herself a longtime member of the recovery community, Joi’s approach is supported by Four Cornerstones that meet you wherever you are. The cycle’s stages highlighted in her book, “The Recovery Cycle: A Practical Guide to Loving Your Sober Life,” invite readers to participate in their own vision of recovery:

* Focus (positive attention and concentration given toward abstinence and other life goals recovering people define for themselves.)

* Recovery Rituals (use tools and support from any recovery program that feels like a good fit).

* Contrary Action (substitute self-affirming behaviors for those that are self-destructive).

* Expanded Range of Feelings (learn to sit with a full spectrum of painful and pleasurable feelings).

You’ll enjoy this exchange of stories and reflections on everything from the important role that connecting with others plays in recovery to how our families of origin shape behaviors and expectations that impact our lives well beyond childhood experience. John and Joi also explore an expansive definition of spirituality – a dogma-free but no less sacred expression of what it feels like to be human and share with others. Retrieving our truest selves isn’t easy, says Joi: “It’s hard work, a cycle, a process. It’s never over-and-done. It’s a continuous process.” The good news? The process can be joyful and – wherever you are in your cycle of addiction or recovery – you’ve got access to a tremendous community of support and variety of paths to pursue in finding the right fit!

Just click here if you’d like to learn more about Joi’s thought-provoking book, “The Recovery Cycle: A Practical Guide to Loving Your Sober Life.”

Key Takeaways

* Joi was inspired to write “The Recovery Cycle: A Practice Guide to Loving Your Sober Life” to represent the emotional journey of recovery in a user-friendly, visual way.

* Joi defines the process of recovery as: Becoming an observer of our thoughts and feelings while aligning our actions with the values we hold dear.

* Abstinence is key, but don’t give up if you’re not there yet. Just keep reading, reflecting and trying.