The HOW of Recovery

The acronym HOW stands for Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness. Together, these three principles form the foundation of meaningful, lasting change.

Honesty

Honesty is admitting that there may be a problem — and seeing how it shows up across different areas of life: relationships, finances, health, career, and your own mental and emotional state.

• Candidly assess your situation and recognise where life requires improvement.
• Be truthful with yourself about the need for recovery.

Open-mindedness

Open-mindedness is becoming willing to consider new ideas, new concepts, and new practices — essentially becoming teachable and open to a new way of living that is infinitely better than the one addiction offers.

• Embrace new perspectives and approaches to old challenges.
• Be willing to try different strategies and therapies that may contribute to your recovery.

Willingness

Willingness is being ready to let go — to disregard old thought patterns and behaviours that are not working, and to look honestly at past hurts, resentments, disappointments, trauma, and fears in order to build a solid foundation and live in a culture of recovery and wellness.

• Cultivate and strengthen your determination to overcome obstacles.
• Set achievable goals and work towards them with commitment and persistence.

A general guide on the HOW

1. Self-reflection and acceptance. Begin by introspecting your current situation and accepting it. Acknowledge the need for recovery and embrace a positive mindset.
2. Set clear and attainable goals. Define specific, measurable, realistic goals. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps.
3. Seek professional guidance. Consult with professionals relevant to your situation — doctors, therapists, counsellors. Their expertise provides insights tailored to your needs.
4. Build a support system. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or join support groups. A strong network offers encouragement and practical assistance during challenging times.

Recovery is not always easy — though it can be. Compared to the pain and suffering active addiction brings, recovery is most certainly the softer, more comfortable way.

We have seen from experience that individuals who attend regular support groups and get professional help do stay in recovery and wellness. Recovery852's primary purpose is to guide, nurture, and coach the individual through this process — tailored to your unique situation and needs.

Ready to explore what recovery could look like for you? Our programmes are built around these principles, or reach out for a confidential conversation.