Recovery from substance use disorders is an incredibly challenging journey, but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths a person can take. Every individual in recovery deserves to be celebrated, no matter what their recovery looks like or how they define it.

This September, during Recovery Month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services is honoring all Minnesotans who are making strides toward a better life, wherever they are on their journey.

For many, recovery means full abstinence from all mood-altering substances. They believe that any use of intoxicants could risk a return to the struggles they’ve worked so hard to overcome. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment programs and support systems designed to help people achieve this type of recovery, offering hope and strength to those who seek it.

But as in most aspects of life, recovery is not always black and white. Some people may quit their drug of abuse, but still need some sort of medication to manage a chronic pain condition. Some people have had trouble quitting due to severe withdrawals and decide to remain on medication-assisted treatment like suboxone. Some people may decide that alcohol is harming their career or relationships, but that low-dose cannabis has minimal negative impacts for them personally while reducing their urge to drink. And for some, simply quitting intravenous drug use is a major victory.

Unfortunately, people in recovery that is not based on complete abstinence have often felt stigmatized by others in the recovery community. Let me be clear: All types of recovery are valid. If you feel healthy and present in your family and community, and you are living the life you want to live, you should feel proud. You should not be made to feel like your recovery is less valuable than anyone else’s.

We understand that people advocating for abstinence-only recovery are doing so because they believe it’s the best way to save lives. But we also know that someone cannot achieve abstinence if they’re no longer here. If we can help them to quit or greatly reduce their use of the drug that has the highest chance of killing them, we’ve bought more time so they can continue working towards a safer, healthier future.

Ultimately, DHS as an agency respects individual choice. And we know that recovery is far more likely to stick if a person is making the choice to get help, and choosing precisely what type of help they want.

• If you are considering making a change, visit gov/dhs/sud-get-help to learn about the process for getting a substance use disorder diagnostic assessment.
• If you are in recovery and could use additional support, visit fasttrackermn.org to find peer recovery services near you.
• If you are still using, but are open to harm reduction information, visit knowthedangers.com/harm-reduction.

At DHS, we understand that it is not the role of a government agency to define what recovery means for you. It is our role to provide supports and ensure a robust system of care so that people can live a life that is meaningful to them, and so that people can be fully engaged with their families and communities. Recovery is very personal, and Minnesota’s substance use disorder system of supports has may options to help you live the life you want to live. You just need to take that first step – even if it seems small.

Jen Sather is the deputy director of substance use disorder services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Administration.

Last Updated on October 8, 2024