Tools for Long-Term Recovery

Peter S. has been in recovery for more than 20 years. He's grateful to Hazelden Betty Ford for giving him a safe space, free of judgment, when he began his journey all those years ago.  

Peter worked for law enforcement, where he says the culture led him down a path to addiction. "We didn't process our emotions, we went for drinks," he recalls. "I wasn't a drinker, and I became an alcoholic." When he considered going for treatment, "I wouldn't think of going to the same places that the people we worked with were in and out of," he says. So, he was relieved when a friend recommended the Betty Ford Center. 

"For me, finding recovery was about integrity," he says. "It wasn't because of negative consequences of my drinking or using. No one knew. I was leading a double life."  

Peter describes his time at the Betty Ford Center as "a beautiful experience…and a culture shock." Coming from a Native American background, "I had the belief that people with wealth and privilege didn't have problems," he recalls. "I had to dismantle my beliefs of 'us and them.'" 

After treatment, Peter followed the guidance he had been given: He got a sponsor and went regularly to Twelve Step meetings. The experience was enriching. "I was meeting people I wouldn't normally be in contact with," he says. "I learned courage, strength and hope from them." 

The first key to Peter's long-term success was recognizing that he needed to continue to engage in his recovery. "I discovered I needed one set of tools to stop drinking and using. And I needed a whole other set of tools to stay ‘stopped.'" The second key, he notes, was "staying tethered to people who had been doing that, too." 

Peter is now a therapist in private practice, alongside his wife. Together they facilitate Wellbriety Circles, which incorporate sobriety with wellness (mental, physical, emotional) integrating the Twelve Step ritual with Indigenous cultural teachings. While Peter's recovery brought him closer to his Native American heritage and spiritual practice, he underscores that Wellbriety is inclusive. "One does not have to be Native American to participate," he says. "There is room for you no matter who you are." 

Peter hopes that people just starting out in recovery will reach for the tools available. "I desire for people to acknowledge that they're fearful of the unknown and yet have the courage to move out of their own way," he says.  

Hear more reflections from Peter