Archive for July, 2017

Recovery is what we are all about, developing the right physical, emotional, relational and spiritual framework with a good measure of resilience to keep addictive behaviors in check. While each person’s path to recovery is unique, there are certain actions that determine the overall success of treatment and the endurance needed for long-term recovery.

Recovery Beyond works in partnership with missions who offer drug, alcohol and other addiction recovery programs. We focus on the other gradients of the individual’s life not covered by the missions to help participants understand and heal the causes and effects of past behaviors, friendships and social structure that led to their current situation. This process assists in determining what is helpful and not helpful in moving forward to a life of sobriety. Oftentimes people just need to learn how others cope with life’s messiness. No one has a simple life; trouble goes hand in hand of living as a human being. Everyone experiences pressures, failures, trials and disappointments; we all need to learn how to negotiate these pitfalls and to grow as a result. It’s the decisions we make and the actions we take that determine whether we come through the experiences stronger and better prepared to live well. This does not happen all by itself.

I like to think about this as taking care of the ‘big rocks’; the really important things in life; the areas we need to experience before we can grow. Recent research we undertook with past program participants found that a high percentage struggled with spiritual issues. This struggle produced a great deal of uncertainty, doubt and insecurity which eventually lead to abusing alcohol, drugs or involvement in other addictions.

We can’t always see beyond the big rocks, even when they are right in front of us. Sometimes just recognizing what they are is a major challenge all on its own. We need people who love us to mentor and provide wisdom or insights into what is happening and why. Sharing a personal story is the best way to relate and work through the work of unraveling the tangled web weaved in error. That’s why what we have been doing for six years has obtained very respectable results; the last three years measured at 85% sustained sobriety. It truly is taking one day at a time and asking for help when life becomes overwhelming. Our community of caring replaces damaged relationships or dysfunctional family patterns and allows a path to nurturing healthy relationships and building a new support system.

So what can you do to help?

We are expanding to another mission in the fall; watch for an upcoming Recovery Beyond ‘Movie Night’ this fall, where we share the story of our 2013 climb and the lives of those who addressed life’s big rocks. Some will be present to talk about their journey.

Recurring donations is the easiest and best way to become part of our team. Other ways to give include:

• Donating new or gently used climbing equipment and clothing. Everything our climbers use is either donated or purchased for them. See our website for ideas and the types of equipment needed.
• Time – we have a strong group of dedicated volunteers who help on the all the outings to get climbers ready for the major events and to exercise or work out to assure the endurance needed to climb mountains. As we expand to another mission, there will be more openings available.
• Encourage one of our program climbers; our website makes it easy to reach out share your story and help someone else lead a more fulfilling life.
• Finally, pray for each person’s success. Remember the spiritual hole is usually the hardest one to fill. It is in the love shown daily by our wonderful team of volunteers that leads others to developing a life of faith and a means to putting the big rocks in the right order.
  Please join us today.

“The single biggest variable that’s correlated with adult homelessness is childhood maltreatment, childhood abuse, abandonment, trauma and neglect.” Mike Johnson – Rachel Belle article, July 27, 2016