The Connecticut Community of Addiction Recovery (CCAR) hosted its first Multiple Pathways of Recovery Conference in May of 2016. Due to travel limitations, my presentation for that conference was presented by video. (See presentation outline and video.)
The second of CCAR's Multiple Pathways of Recovery Conference will be held in Punta Gorda, Florida October 23-26, 2017. Due to its proximity to my home, I will be able to join many of you to participate in this conference. I will do a book signing on the opening day and Don Coyhis and I will be doing a Q & A session at the conference on Wednesday, October 25. I look forward to spending time with recovery advocates from across the country and listening to the many scheduled presentations.
There are many recent and noteworthy milestones in the history of addiction recovery in the U.S. the growth and diversification of recovery mutual aid societies; maturation of the recovery advocacy movement; exponential growth of virtual recovery communities; landmark recovery research studies such as the life in recovery surveys; the proliferation of new recovery support institutions (community centers, residences, Industries, schools, ministries, cafes, etc.); integration of peer recovery support services within a growing spectrum of service organizations; and the rise of an ecumenical culture of recovery with its own language, symbols, literature, art, music, theatre, sport venues, and rituals of celebration. Key to all of these developments has been a foundational proposition: There are many pathways and styles of addiction recovery and ALL are cause for celebration.
CCAR's Multiple Pathways of Recovery Conferences represent grassroots efforts to map recovery pathways in an environment of mutual learning and respect. I look forward to seeing you at the Conference in October.
Between now and the conference, I will focus some of my weekly blogs on the growing varieties of recovery experience.