As we’ve discussed, PEP Society’s offering to our community is a unique one, in that we exist to help the families and loved ones of a person struggling with addiction. Many don’t realize our resources are designed specifically to support them, often because they think help is only for the person struggling with addiction.

So, let’s continue to discuss what Family Recovery is.

Family Recovery is a continuous and evolving journey of strength, fellowship, and resilience. 

This means that recovery is a process. It will not happen overnight. I will take work, dedication, and a continuous routine of attending your local Family Recovery group meetings. As you put work in, you’ll discover your strength building, your fellowship with others in the group growing as you get to know them and their stories, and your resilience starting to appear: even if you thought you had none. 

“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

Family Recovery is a process of change that occurs both individually and as a family system, characterized by gradual growth in health and wellness. 

You can’t pour from an empty cup. But knowing one of your loved ones is struggling with addiction can be one of life’s most draining experiences. That’s why Family Recovery happens on two levels: first individually, and then as a family. Families can look different: some are by blood, and some are chosen. But all can experience growth in health and wellness if they are underpinned by a system—like Family Recovery—that provides constant support and resources, as well as patience and understanding.

Family Recovery is not an event, but an ongoing process that unfolds over time, often later and longer than the recovery of the individual with addiction.

Just like any process we undertake—whether it’s learning an instrument, a new language, or getting into a healthy daily routine—Family Recovery takes work, practice, and patience. Human beings love deeply, and seeing a loved one going through addiction can be a cataclysmic event that may, in some cases, take years to fully recover from. But recovery is possible: for the individual and their families and friends. 

If someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help for you too. All you have to do is take the first step and join a Family Recovery meeting. The process may be long, but we will be with you for every step. 

Find a virtual or in-person meeting near you at pepsociety.ca/upcoming-meetings.

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when we look back, everything is different.”

-C.S. Lewis