Lisa Ferguson

When anyone asks me about my success in recovery my answer sometimes surprises them. "I work everyday on myself. I can't give away what I don't have."

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That translates into: I have to be less of a jerk every day and more of the person my dog thinks I am. (I really do have a dog who is always thrilled to see me.) The 12 steps are great because they lay out in simple terms how to approach life. The people in the rooms bring me examples of change that I can only hear when I am ready to change. So, it's an absolutely perfect way for me to grow.

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It's actually not complex. 

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What helped me formulate the program offerings at Right Path?

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I am a researcher and teacher by training. Recovery methods have been researched and peer reviewed for nearly 75 years and continue to both evolve and be researched today. According to SAMSHA, sustainable recovery arises from a new lifestyle. SAMHSA puts it simply:

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         "Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. There are four major dimensions that support recovery:

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Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being; to seek wellness. This was one of the most important pillars for me because I never felt "sane" enough. I was competing with my 12-step friends to be more "zen" because that (wrongly) meant to me that I was more sober. I finally learned that being sober simply meant I allowed myself my feelings but didn't let my life be ruled by them. It was a combination of my logical self with my emotions that guided me through life's ups and downs. I stopped pretending to be this calm and serene person when I wasn't but owned when I was "zen" without apology.

Home—having a stable and safe place to live that supports recovery. One of the best ways to get to know people is to have them over for dinner.

Purpose—"...conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society."

Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

• There's something special about our strength as a recovering community. Prior to 12-step, barely no one was able to stay sober for the long haul. Individually we're not as strong as we are together and 12-step knows that and uses it to help people. Any community can bring together diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, which allows a stronger approach to problem-solving but for us in 12-step, this collective strength drives change that saves lives more effectively than any individual efforts. We learn this in PHP, IOP, the house workshops, and in the rooms of our 12 step meetings. 

• When individuals work together towards a common goal like remaining sober, they hold each other accountable. Holding each other responsible, encourages in each member a sense of commitment, leading to meaningful and sustainable progress.

• Support and Encouragement: A strong community provides emotional support and encouragement, helping a struggling member overcome challenges and stay focused on their goals. This supportive environment can inspire action and resilience, making it easier to effect change. After all, our old selves thought addiction was a way to solve our problems.