Recovery is possible at all stages of a mental illness or substance use disorder. The earlier action is taken the easier it is to get better.
Six tips for tackling recovery
- Embrace the idea of change. Making lifestyle changes is difficult for everybody, but you will need to prepare yourself for the fact that change is necessary (and worth it) in order to achieve recovery.
- Understand the resources available. Therapy and medication are the two most widely known treatment options, but recovery is about more than treatment. Other resources and services include: case management, supported employment, supported education, family supports, warmlines, peer support specialists, and psychoeducation.
- Engage peer support. Peer support services put someone in your corner who has “been there, done that” and can help you find your own way through the recovery process.
- Establish a support network. Think about who among your friends and family members you can turn to for support. The person or people you choose should care about you, believe in you and believe in your worth. Having someone you can call or meet up with if you are feeling lonely or starting to struggle can help you to feel better and stay accountable to yourself and your recovery goals.
- Set yourself up for success. Create recovery plans that you are confident you can stick to. Try this exercise: Think about a change you want to make to help you reach a recovery goal. Now rate your confidence in your ability to make that change on a scale of 1 (not confident) to 10 (positive you can do it). If you aren’t confident at a level of 7 or higher, revise your plan. Start with smaller changes that you are sure you can make, and build up to tougher changes to reach your goals over time.
- Forgive yourself for failure. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and there are going to be days that are going to go really well, and other days that are going to be crappy. Having a crappy day, or showing signs of relapse or recurrence, doesn’t mean that you haven’t made any progress or that you should give up trying to get better. Be kind to yourself and keep fighting for the life you want.
Eight dimensions of wellness
Embracing these eight dimensions of wellness as identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can improve the quality of your life.
Emotional
Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
- Be aware of and listen to your feelings
- Express your feelings to people you trust
Financial
Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
- Be thoughtful and creative about your budgeting and spending
- As needed, meet with financial professionals who provide free or low-cost services for guidance
Social
Developing a sense of connection, belonging, a well developed support system
- Make at least one social connection per day by calling, e-mailing, or visiting someone
- Get active in a support group
Spiritual
Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life
- Make time for practices that enhance your sense of connection to self, nature, and others
- Take time to discover what values, principles, and beliefs are most important to you
Occupational
Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived through one’s work
- Work toward a career in a field you are passionate about or a volunteer activity that has meaning for you
- Communicate with your supervisor regularly and get support when needed
Physical
Recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator; replace driving with walking or bicycling when possible
- Get enough sleep—your body needs it to rejuvenate and stay well
Intellectual
Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
- Research a topic that interests you and share what you learned with others
- Find creative outlets that stimulate your mind and sense of curiosity
Environmental
Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
- Appreciate nature and the beauty that surrounds you
- Seek out music and other experiences that have a calming effect on your well-being
Recovery resources
Mental health
- Comprehensive Community Services - A Wisconsin program for individuals who need ongoing services beyond occasional outpatient care, but less than the intensive care provided in an inpatient setting
- Healthy Living, Mental Health - Information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Heroes in Recovery - A celebration of heroic efforts of those who seek the mental health help they need without feeling ashamed or isolated, including stories from individuals in recovery
- Make The Connection - Resources for veterans
- Mental Health America of Wisconsin - Wisconsin's affiliate of the nation's community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans live mentally healthier lives
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (Wisconsin) - Wisconsin's affiliate of a national organization committed to improving the quality of life of people affected by mental illness and promoting recovery
- National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse - A collection of resources developed for consumers by consumers
- Peer-Run Recovery Centers - A list of drop-in centers in Wisconsin run by peers
- Peer-Run Respites - These places offer a supportive, home-like environment during times of increased stress or symptoms
- Recovery Campus Magazine - Information for young adults seeking to continue their recovery and complete their education
- Start Your Recovery - Resources to help people recover from substance use concerns
- Teen Mental Health - Tools specifically designed for first-year college students and works to erase the shame attached to mental health issues
- Transforming Youth Recovery - An organization that supports educators, parents, and community members in helping students in recovery thrive in the fullness of everyday life
- ULifeline - Mental health resources for college students
- Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling - This organization helps individuals who are struggling with a gambling problem
- Wisconsin Initiative for Stigma Elimination (WISE) - This is a statewide coalition promoting inclusion and support for all affected by mental illness
- Wisconsin United for Mental Health - A coalition of citizens raising awareness of mental illness to reduce stigma and promote recovery
Substance use
- Addiction Recovery Guide - Information to assist individuals struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism find the help that best suits their needs
- Addiction Resource - A collection of resources to help individuals overcome addiction
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem
- Association of Recovery Schools - Information on the recovery high school movement
- Celebrate Recovery - A Christ-centered recovery program
- Faces and Voices of Recovery - An organization that offers resources on recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs
- Gamblers Anonymous - Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her gambling problem
- Healthy Living, Substance Abuse - Information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Heroes in Recovery - A celebration of heroic efforts of those who seek the addiction help they need without feeling ashamed or isolated, including stories from individuals in recovery
- Make The Connection - Resources for veterans
- Narcotics Anonymous (Wisconsin) - A group of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean
- Oxford House - A network of democratically run, self-supporting, and drug free homes
- Peer-Run Respites - These places offer a supportive, home-like environment during times of increased stress or symptoms
- Recovery Campus Magazine - Information for young adults seeking to continue their recovery and complete their education
- SMART Recovery - An organization that provides assistance to individuals seeking abstinence from addictive behaviors
- Sober Nation - Information on recovery and addiction treatment centers
- Transforming Youth Recovery - An organization that supports educators, parents, and community members in helping students in recovery thrive in the fullness of everyday life
- Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline - A 24/7 service from 211 Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Wisconsin Association of 12 Step Clubs - This organization promotes the interests and effectiveness of 12 Step Clubs in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Voices for Recovery - This is a statewide group advocating for people in recovery
- Young People in Recovery - This organization supports young people in or seeking recovery by empowering them to obtain stable employment, secure stable housing, and explore continuing education
Be a safe person
Join the "Safe Person" campaign! Let others know you offer a non-judgmental listening ear and support. "Safe Person" campaign members commit to uphold seven promises.
Learn the seven promises and get a decal to show your commitment.
Tools to measure mental health, substance use recovery
Use these tools to gauge the quality of your recovery and to gain perspective on your recovery.
- The Wisconsin Recovery Thermometer (PDF) is for mental health and co-occurring recovery.
- The Wisconsin Recovery Pulse (PDF) is for substance use recovery.
Last Revised: March 16, 2021
