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Finding Recovery: Your Unique Path Forged in Collective Strength

The beautiful thing about finding recovery is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual has their own unique journey and different strategies that work for them. The key to long-term success, though, lies in embracing a variety of tools and methods, allowing you to find what resonates most and keeps you moving forward. 

During a recent conversation on Positive Recovery MD, Guest Host Jamie Demeris, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, joins returning guest Glenn Carosella as they discuss the importance of understanding the deeper perspective behind your “why” and the inner work it takes to find systems that work best for you. They also discuss the notion behind the biological understanding of addiction and why you have to keep doing the work to overcome the negative pathways. 

Get to Know Our Guest – Glenn Carosella 

Glenn Carosella, LCDC, holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. He is currently serving as an Outpatient Affiliate Manager in Katy, TX, and is an adjunct faculty member at Lee College. With a diverse background in addiction treatment, Glenn has held roles as a Recovery Advocate, Director, and Inpatient Counselor, bringing a wealth of experience to his work. On September 13th, he celebrated six years in long-term recovery.

As a passionate educator, Glenn has also contributed to the field as a former educator with the University of Houston Charter School and has presented at key industry events, including the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP) luncheon in Houston and the Houston Employee Assistance Professionals Association. He has made his second appearance on the Positive Recovery MD podcast, sharing insights from his personal and professional journey in recovery. 

Understanding Your Why of Finding Recovery

One of the most crucial steps in recovery is identifying your “why”—the driving force behind your decision to embrace sobriety. Glenn and Jamie emphasize that understanding this deeper purpose isn’t just about quitting a substance; it’s about finding what makes life meaningful and fulfilling. Whether you’re reconnecting with loved ones, pursuing a long-lost passion, or simply striving for peace of mind, defining your why gives you a solid foundation upon which to build.

Knowing your why also acts as an anchor during challenging times. Those in recovery know this journey isn’t linear, and moments of doubt or temptation are inevitable. However, that’s where our resilience kicks in. When these moments arise, reflecting on the deeper purpose behind your journey can re-center your focus and renew your motivation. Glenn shares how he has relied on this perspective throughout his recovery, helping him stay grounded even when facing obstacles.

It’s important to note that your why can evolve over time. Initially, it might be about regaining control over your life, but as you grow, it can shift to maintaining connections, nurturing self-worth, or achieving personal milestones. This evolution is natural and reflects the progress you make in recovery. Embracing your why, in whatever form it takes, is key to maintaining momentum and staying committed.

Doing the Work to Overcome Negative Pathways

Addiction fundamentally changes the brain, creating negative pathways that reinforce unhealthy habits and thought patterns. Glenn emphasizes that breaking free from these patterns requires consistent effort and intentionality. This “work” includes addressing both the biological and psychological aspects of addiction. Recovery isn’t about willpower alone; it’s about rewiring your brain through new, healthier routines and behaviors.

One of the first steps is acknowledging the power of these pathways and their influence on your behavior. Glenn shares how education on the science of addiction can be empowering—it helps you understand that addiction isn’t a moral failing but a condition that requires focused treatment. With this knowledge, you can approach recovery with a sense of compassion for yourself rather than guilt or shame.

The work doesn’t stop once you start seeing progress. Consistency is essential to maintaining the new neural pathways you’ve developed, aka how you build resilience. Various practices like journaling, therapy, or mindfulness are excellent practices that can reinforce these positive changes. 

The longer you engage in these healthy habits, the stronger the new pathways become, eventually replacing the old negative ones. Finding recovery is a lifelong process, but with dedication, the work becomes second nature, leading to a fulfilling and substance-free life.

Below, Glenn shares a quick thought about how your thoughts turn into emotions and how those emotions can turn into behaviors.

Why It Takes Inner Work to Find Systems That Work For You

Finding recovery is deeply personal, and no two journeys are identical. Glenn and Jamie highlight the importance of doing the inner work required to uncover strategies and systems that align with your unique needs. This process begins with self-awareness—recognizing what triggers you, what motivates you, and what holds you back. Without this foundational understanding, creating a recovery plan that truly supports long-term success is challenging.

Inner work also involves being willing to experiment and adapt. What works in the beginning stages of recovery may not be as effective as you grow and encounter new challenges. Glenn discusses how reflection and honest self-assessment are vital to this process. Whether you’re trying different forms of therapy, exploring mindfulness techniques, or joining support groups, know that recovery requires a willingness to stay curious and open to change.

Equally important is the patience and compassion you show yourself as you navigate this journey. Inner work can unearth uncomfortable truths and unresolved emotions, but facing them head-on is what allows true healing to occur. By embracing this process, you not only find systems that work for you but also build a stronger relationship with yourself, laying the groundwork for sustained recovery.

Loved This Conversation? We’ve Got More Like This One!

If you loved this conversation about finding recovery, the unique journey shared by a collective strength, and want to learn more about setting your authentic foundation for recovery, discovering your meaning and purpose through sobriety, or getting acquainted with your inner child, you can listen to the full episode or connect with Glenn Carosella on LinkedIn!

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