Peer-led workshops, classes and events that encompass all forms of recovery
How is Reimagining Recovery different from other support groups?
“Take what works and leave the rest” is the main premise rather than an after-thought. We recognize that it looks different for everyone, and thus aim to empower the individual to make choices that foster their overall wellness. Recovery is not linear.
We have opted to do away with the whole addictions/mental health dichotomy and instead focus on issues affecting the broad spectrum of people in recovery.
We openly talk about harm reduction. Harm reduction is engaging in your problematic behavior but in a way that causes less damage. It can mean things like needle exchanges and safe injection sites. It can also mean drinking a few too many but deciding not to drive.
We recognize that the personal is political and hold space for talking about how oppression in all forms influences and shapes almost every aspect of our lives.
We believe that mental health is health. We take a holistic approach to wellness and recognize that mind and body cannot be separated from one another.
We believe that addiction or substance use disorders are borne out of a desire to escape unbearable feelings. We as humans are hardwired to want to avoid pain, emotional as well as physical, and there should be no shame in this. We don’t take a particular stance on whether or not it is a disease but affirm that it is certainly not a moral failing.
What are events like? What should I expect?
Every event is different! However, the general idea is to make space for everyone to contribute to the conversation. The meetings are generally more dialogic, and crosstalk is encouraged and in fact the norm. They are not lecturing; they are spontaneous experiments in collaboration. We aim to break down the teacher/student binary, and to come together as peers, recognizing that each individual has contributions and wisdom to offer to the group.
How much do your events cost?
All of our events are free (thanks in part to the support we receive from our sponsor, the Alano Club of Portland) with donations gladly accepted. There is absolutely no pressure to contribute financially– your presence is enough! Accessibility and inclusion are two of our main values.
What are some of those other values?
Organizational transparency, personal confidentiality, community, self- and other- empowerment, consent, social justice, diversity, group sovereignty, (radical) acceptance, respect, vulnerability, reciprocity, intersectionality, compassion, and authenticity.
We also aim to be: Non-hierarchical, anti-racist, LGBTQ2A+ inclusive, trauma-informed, introvert-friendly, open-minded, and ever-evolving.