How to Become An Advocate
So, you believe in recovery and you want to enact positive change in your community. That’s wonderful! Recovery is real, and it is amazing to watch transformation in the lives of people. Unfortunately, many people believe that addicts deserve what they get, that they’ve “made their bed and need to lie in it.” This attitude not only makes the road to recovery harder for those who are fighting the good fight, but is actually harmful to our community as a whole. Many are unaware that true change is possible. This is where advocating is necessary.
What is Advocacy?
Put simply, Advocating is public support for a cause. Advocacy involves sharing your knowledge and experience with others. There are many ways to advocate for a cause from sharing a facebook post to lobbying for change within the government. People’s opinions can and do change when another viewpoint is introduced. For example, it is hard to believe recovery isn’t possible when you hear a story of a mother who’s been in recovery for 5 years, has regained custody of her children, and is pursing a professional career. Those two thoughts conflict. When this occurs, the individual has the choice to change their thinking or ignore the facts.
Advocating for Recovery
There are endless ways to promote recovery in your community. Anytime you share the hope of recovery with someone you are advocating. Here is an idea list of ways to advocate:
Share your recovery story or the recovery story of a loved one.
Share recovery by promoting positive posts and stories on facebook, twitter, instagram, etc.
Follow recovery advocacy groups to stay up to date on news.
Join an advocacy group aimed at addressing addiction like the Partnership to End Addiction (learn more on the resource page).
Get involved in a local recovery focused ministry or support group.
Provide financial support to organizations seeking address addiction.
Stay educated on the latest research and treatment for addiction.
Join groups that lobby in the government for change.
For a list of Recovery Resources, click the link below.
Your voice can truly enact positive change in your community and in the world. Don’t hesitate to share your story of hope and recovery. You could be the difference between someone receiving the life saving care they need or dying in addiction.