Substance Use Recovery Is Complicated — and Worth It

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. SAMHSA also reports that more than 50 million Americans consider themselves in recovery from mental health challenges or substance use.

Recovery is not a straight line. It can mean setbacks as well as progress, and sometimes it feels like starting over. National Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is possible in many different forms. It also honors those who continue showing up for themselves every day—a beautiful thing in all its complexity.

The Work of Substance Use Recovery

Recovery takes courage. Some days it means engaging in treatment, therapy, or managing triggers, and withdrawal. Other days it means trying again after a relapse. Not everyone gets access to the care they need—in 2023, SAMHSA reported that more than 95% of people who needed treatment for substance use did not receive it. Still, tens of millions of adults in the U.S. report that they have recovered from a substance use challenge.

Whatever your story, you have put in effort to reach this point. Maybe you made the choice to change habits, took medication, entered rehab, or worked with a counselor. Maybe you needed to create distance from people who didn’t support your goals. Even if it wasn’t always consistent or easy, you kept going. And if you’re just starting out or still finding your way, that too is part of recovery.

Finding Support in Recovery—Even When It Feels Complicated

For some, encouragement comes from family, friends, sponsors, or mentors. For others, those supports aren’t always there—or don’t feel safe. That doesn’t make recovery any less possible. What matters is finding people and places that meet you with compassion and understanding.

At Pillars Community Health, we provide behavioral health treatment, outpatient therapy, and recovery support services designed to meet you where you are.

Building a Healthier, More Meaningful Life in Recovery

Along your recovery journey, you may have made choices that support your health — like eating a balanced diet, moving your body in ways that feel right, improving your sleep, or developing a more positive outlook on life. According to Harvard Health Publishing, these changes can support longer life and greater well-being.

But recovery is not only about physical health. It can also mean finding purpose in your daily life, building new relationships or strengthening old ones, learning to express emotions, and discovering new ways to challenge or stimulate your mind.

There isn’t one picture of recovery, and not every day will feel “healthy” or “happy.” What matters is that recovery can create space for stability, connection, and meaning — in whatever way feels right for you.

Recovery Support Services at Pillars Community Health

Wherever you are on your recovery journey, Pillars Community Health is here for you. Based in Berwyn, Illinois, we provide recovery support to individuals and families throughout the western suburbs of Chicago, including Brookfield, Cicero, Hickory Hills, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lyons, Oak Park, Summit, and Western Springs both in person and tele health.

Our services include substance use and behavioral health assessments, tailored treatment plans, case management, aftercare, affordable medication, outpatient individual and group therapy for addiction, and referrals to rehab programs.

To take a first step—or a next step—toward recovery, call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277). Whether you live in Berwyn or a neighboring community, you can turn to Pillars Community Health for support. No matter where you’re starting from, we will be here with you throughout the process.