Addiction recovery is not a one-time event, but a journey that unfolds in stages. People who struggle with addiction may be trying to ease physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental pain, to numb complicated feelings. 

This pain is often rooted in trauma, grief, and loss, both past and ongoing. To create meaningful and lasting change, recovery must address these deeper wounds. Each person’s path is unique, shaped by their experiences, strengths, and supports. By understanding recovery as a gradual process, we can honour where people are at and offer compassionate, culturally grounded support every step of the way.

Maintaining recovery after moving through the early stages takes ongoing care, reflection, and support. It’s not something anyone has to do alone. 

Professional guidance can play a vital role in helping individuals navigate challenges, manage triggers, and plan for long-term wellness. Support from loved ones and community also strengthens the path forward, creating a circle of care that helps sustain recovery and prevent relapse.