“I feel one of the biggest obstacles that we face in early recovery is starting with safe, supportive housing where drug abuse isn’t the norm. Once we can find a safe place to live where we can begin to explore our emotional states and behaviors in a supportive environment, we often find we don’t really have any close connections or bonds with individuals that lead a comfortable life in recovery. This period is incredibly vulnerable. We aren’t using, but we aren’t quite established and familiar with peers that can support us as we seek a healthier path. For me, the first year was about discovery. I had to learn what I liked in myself and in others, how to establish boundaries that supported recovery. I had to consistently show up where recovery was happening to allow myself the vital opportunity to meet people and to begin to form the connections and friendships that still support my recovery today.” -Rick, 10 years in recovery