March 13, 2026 “Staying on the Road of Recovery!”

Recovery is full of potholes and a traffic jam or two. But when we stay on the road of Recovery, we can better manage our symptoms. We also grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

There are times in our lives when our mental health or substance misuse conditions go into remission. During these seasons, our symptoms are easier to manage. Sometimes we slowly drive around the potholes of our condition. Other times we take a detour, so we do not get stuck.

When I ask people in Recovery how they deal with the potholes and traffic jams of life, I hear many wise and helpful ideas. Here are some of the actions people take to move through suffering and the temptation to misuse substances.

• Help someone else who needs support.

• Step back when strong emotions rise so we can calm ourselves before we act.

• Learn from the past and make better choices in the present.

• Slow down and face our fears instead of trying to rush past them. This often leads to a better outcome.

• Practice radical acceptance of the potholes and traffic jams in life. Fighting or ignoring our feelings usually makes suffering last longer.

• Use healthy humor at times. Sometimes people laugh because otherwise they would cry. Humor can help calm our emotions so we can face hard moments.

Recovery conditions can change, just like a road with potholes or traffic jams. In my life, I have experienced remission from depression, anxiety, and trauma. Several years ago, I stopped going to a support group and stopped seeing a therapist. Two years later, the darkness returned. I made a promise to myself to attend a support group each week and to return to regular therapy.

Ten years later, I still attend a support group and therapy. During that time, I have faced many potholes and traffic jams. But because of my relationships in Recovery, I remain in the light. I often turn to God. I surrender myself to Him and practice radical acceptance of my present moment, trusting that the hard season will pass.

I do not know if my symptoms will return strongly someday or stay in remission. But with God’s help, and with the support of my peers in Recovery, family, and friends, my circle of support will help me through the potholes of mental health. They will also help guide me through the traffic jams along the way.

How will you rise above the potholes and traffic jams on your road of Recovery?