Recovery Is Worthwhile
Addiction recovery is the process of overcoming substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. It is not an easy road though; it involves therapy, supervised detoxing, support groups, and making lifestyle changes. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s what makes it so personal and touching.
While the recovery journey can be challenging, it is important because it positively transforms individuals, families, and communities. Recovery significantly improves one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Better overall health, increased energy levels and interest in hobbies, reduced anxiety and depression, better stress management and stability, and deeper sleep are often associated with various parts of recovery.
Not only do relationships with one’s self strengthen in recovery, but connections with family and friends are restored as well. Trust is repaired, healthier emotional expressions lead to fewer arguments, communication becomes easier, and perhaps even an understanding of the individual’s addiction and recovery process becomes better as well.
Communities also benefit from recovery in many ways. By spreading awareness and sharing stories, stigma is reduced, allowing for bigger support networks and less shame for those still fighting addiction. Once in recovery, individuals become productive and successful members of society; they can hold jobs, attend college, gain financial independence, rekindle positive relationships, eliminate negative influences, and take better care of their overall well-being. In our own Daughter’s House program, many of our former residents have come back into the program as alumni support or Rage event volunteers, and others have gone on to secure jobs at local addiction/mental health facilities, wanting to provide compassion and understanding to those still struggling.
In support of National Recovery Month this September, Rage Against Addiction sober living residents uniquely showed their creativity; they painted chairs that will eventually be displayed around our area. Recovery can stir up the emotions that have been hidden for so long, and artistic outlets are very therapeutic and reflective. Writing, painting (several of our residents often attend local paint nights), yoga, and music are just a few of the healthy ways to express oneself, and we believe that this expression is an essential step into leading a happier life.
At Rage Against Addiction, we are extremely proud of and thankful for our village. We cannot help others without YOU. We had a successful afternoon of Bingo last Sunday filled with community members supporting the recovery of our own past and current residents, and the recovery of others too. Proceeds from the event will benefit our programs and help us continue our mission of providing awareness and support to anyone affected by drug and alcohol abuse, including the family.
Addiction recovery is not just about the individual; it has a profound snowball effect on others as well. When everyone focuses on helping others achieve recovery, we create a healthier and happier environment. Recovery is certainly a work in progress for individuals, families, and communities, but it is worth it, and we hope you give it a try!
We serve locally but think globally. For counseling, or for addiction, substance abuse disorder, or mental illness treatment, please contact your area’s health department, county government, hospital, or law enforcement agency.
Addiction Connections Resource: A non-profit organization that assists with providing resources and support for addiction treatment and that educates the community about substance abuse disorder. Located in Fallston, MD. Please visit here or call 443-417-7810 for more information.
Ashley Addiction Treatment: An inpatient treatment center that personalizes clinical programs based on individual need. Located in Havre De Grace, MD. Please visit here or call 800-799-4673 for information about online and in-person meeting services.
Celebrate Recovery: A local support group for those with addictive behaviors. Located in Bel Air, MD and Joppa, MD.
Mt. Zion Church (1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015): every Thursday at 5:45pm. Please visit here for more information about meetings.
Mountain Christian Church (New Life Center 1802 Mountain Road, Joppa, MD 21085): every Friday at 6:00pm. Please visit here for more details.
GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing): A local support group for those who have lost someone to addiction.
6:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Located at Mt. Zion Church: 1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 (Rooms 13-15)
Contact lisa.craig4@verizon.net for more information. The private national Facebook group is available. Please visit here to ask to join.
The Klein Family Harford Crisis Center: A clinic that provides immediate care for mental health and addiction. Located in Bel Air, MD. Please visit here or call 410-874-0711 for information about services.
Loving An Addict: A local support group for family and friends of those in active addiction.
6:30pm every Tuesday
Located at Mt. Zion Church: 1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 (Rooms 13-15)
Contact lisa.craig4@verizon.net for more information.
Voices Of Hope: An organization made up of people in recovery who advocate for behavioral health disorder prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery resources, who eliminate the stigma of addiction through outreach events and education, and who support all pathways of recovery including harm reduction and Narcan training. Located in Cecil County, MD. Please visit here or call 443-933-7055 for information about services.
Daughter’s House: Designed to assist women who are transitioning from substance abuse treatment to recovery; includes three Level II Maryland Certification of Recovery Residence (MCORR) sober living houses (Daughter’s House, Sister House, and The Cottage) located in Harford County, MD. Each house is tailored to meet each individual’s needs.
RAA ABC (After Baby Care): Empowering new moms in early recovery with postpartum care packages for mother and baby. Items are selected from a predetermined checklist for qualifying and referred families.
HALO (How to Live Without Our Addicted Loved One): An online grief support group specifically for those that lost loved ones to substance abuse. Click here to ask to join the private Facebook page. *Please read and answer the membership questions prior to joining.*
Wendy Beck: Founder and Executive Director
Rachel Bongiorno: Daughter’s House Program Director and Recovery Coach
Mia Ellis: Administrator and Board Secretary
Amanda Buddenbohn: Board of Directors President
Tara Kuzma: Board of Directors Treasurer
Rich Bennett: Board Member
Meredith Morris: Board Member
Jeff Pollard: Board Member