June 8, 2023 at 2:07 p.m.
Northwoods recovery: The power of community support
By Jeff Frye-
Though possessing a valid claim to life-long Wisconsin residency - growing up in Milwaukee - I must confess significant chunks of my life were spent elsewhere. Unlike most other transplants, I don't hunt or fish or feel even mildly upset when the Packers lose a game. This makes me something of an oddity to be claiming the Northwoods for my home.
Additionally, it's this year's plan to skip our next winter entirely in favor of a less rigorous clime.
But a more important factor keeps calling me back, keeps me returning to the home of the Hodag after a prolonged absence; this is where I finally was able to claw my way into recovery. And manage to stay thanks in large part to the all-important support group Rhinelander became in my recovery, contributing so much that keeps it steady and strong and growing. I really can't imagine making my home anywhere else, because home is where the heart is, and my heart is here among those who - aware or not - work to help make this recovery as amazing as our beautiful Northwoods.
Where would I be without your support?
Early on, much of the work of recovery involves growing and maintaining the support of friends and family as much as maintaining sobriety. The two go hand-in-hand; demonstrating recovery from drug addiction to the very people damaged by addictive behavior and broken promises requires slow, steady effort, progressing only by carefully living within the bounds of sobriety. With a tight circle of support demanding fidelity to sober living, recovering addicts find it less difficult to ignore the siren call of their substance abuse demons.
Every day, even after years in recovery, I continue to feel abiding gratitude for all the friends standing ready to validate each step taken on this recovery journey. I may be in my seventies now, but still feel I'm only a child learning to walk in a roomful of adults. The need for helping hands and positive reinforcement never recedes; without such support I'm certain to stumble and fall.
Addiction robs us of too many irreplaceable, essential positive learning experiences, so our need for emotional support is never outgrown. By evoking such support we can stay this path, while continuing to serve our community in positive ways as an expression of gratitude.
Securely supported by friends and family, guided by my fellow Hodags, here we can thrive as we do recover.
Do you think you may have a problem with alcohol?
Alcoholics Anonymous can help. Call our Hotline at (715)360-4637 or visit our website at www.northwoodsaa.org for questions or to find a meeting in your area.
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