RUN- Recovered Users Network

16/09/2026

What can we learn from people who have built and sustained recovery?

This thought-provoking piece challenges us to look beyond substance use alone and consider the fuller picture of recovery—relationships restored, careers rebuilt, community connection, purpose, hope and quality of life. Most importantly, it reminds us that there is no single pathway to recovery and that the lived experience of people in recovery should help shape how we understand and support it.

https://healthydebate.ca/2026/09/about-healthy-debate/opinions-about-healthy-debate/why-arent-we-listening-to-the-people-who-recover/

Opinion Sep 15, 2026 by Dr. Larry Smith Why aren’t we listening to the people who recover? 0 Comments Share on: If we wanted to understand what it takes to win a Super Bowl, we definitely would be listening to what seven-time winner Tom Brady has to say. We also would listen to teams that lost. Th...

13/09/2026

Unheard Voices – The Reality of Addiction, Mental Health and Recovery is an exhibition bringing lived experience into the spotlight through art, poetry, photography, music and other creative expressions. The goal is simple but powerful: increase understanding, reduce stigma, create connection and remind people that recovery is possible and there is hope.

https://westerntrust.hscni.net/unheard-voices-the-reality-of-addiction-mental-health-and-recovery-exhibition/

Our Mental Health and Addiction Teams are hosting a number of powerful and inspiring exhibitions showcasing the creative expressions of Addiction, Mental Health and Recovery, with support and collaboration with numerous community and voluntary agencies.

12/09/2026

This article from the Trinidad Guardian explores how physical activity can play a meaningful role in recovery, offering structure, a sense of accomplishment, opportunities for connection, and a way to build healthy routines. Research highlighted in the article found that people participating in an exercise program during recovery described feelings of achievement, belonging, and optimism about moving forward.

Exercise isn’t a pathway to recovery on its own, but for some people, it can become another valuable piece of their recovery capital — and sometimes progress really does begin with one small, positive action.

https://www.guardian.co.tt/article/the-power-of-exercise-how-it-can-support-addiction-recovery-6.2.2661220.74cad41178

Treat­ment and coun­selling may come to mind. Sup­port groups and fam­i­ly sup­port may al­so come to mind.

11/09/2026

Hundreds of people in recovery, their families, and supporters came together for the 25th annual Hands Across the Bridge, joining hands across the I-5 Bridge between Oregon and Washington in the United States to celebrate recovery and kick off National Recovery Month.

For 25 years, this powerful tradition has challenged stigma, elevated recovery voices, and demonstrated what happens when communities come together.

The annual event is part of National Recovery Month, with groups from Oregon and Washington walking onto the Interstate Bridge to meet in the middle. Erica Gregerson, with Hands Across the Bridge, sa...

09/09/2026

You can help reduce stigma by choosing your words with care and compassion.

Person-first language is a way of speaking or writing that puts the person before a diagnosis, condition, disability, or circumstance. The idea is that a characteristic is something a person experiences, it isn't their entire identity.

04/09/2026

Recovery doesn’t stop at the doors of the criminal justice system.

This new resource from ISSUP explores how recovery-oriented approaches can better support justice-involved individuals — emphasizing treatment, peer support, stable housing, employment, supportive relationships, and other forms of recovery capital that help people successfully reintegrate into their communities.

When we address the conditions that help people build and sustain recovery, we create opportunities not just to reduce recidivism, but to support long-term health, stability, and meaningful community connection.

https://www.issup.net/knowledge-share/resources/2026-09/recovery-context-public-health-interventions-within-criminal

Recovery in the context of the justice system and incarceration refers to a long-term process of change through which people see improvements in their health and stability, experience changes in identity, strengthen relationships, a

02/09/2026

💜 Women in recovery - your story matters!

Whispers from the Heart is inviting women with lived experience of addiction and recovery to contribute their stories to a project designed to elevate women’s voices and the many different experiences of recovery.

Whether your story is about struggle, growth, resilience, finding your voice, or what recovery means to you today, this is an opportunity to share it and potentially help another woman feel less alone.

If you have a story to tell, consider adding your voice to the project.

Whispers from the Heart is a forthcoming book created by and for women in recovery from substance use, and YOU have the opportunity to contribute. It is designed as a companion and guide for those embarking on journeys of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Written by women who have walked sim...

31/08/2026

Recovery stories have the power to change the way communities see addiction.

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Liverpool’s Voices of Recovery event is bringing people with lived experience, recovery organizations, and community members together to share stories of survival, resilience, and hope.

By making recovery visible and giving lived experience a platform, communities can challenge stigma, connect people with support, and remind others that recovery is possible.

https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/free-liverpool-event-will-share-real-stories-of-addiction-and-recovery/

Powerful stories of survival, resilience and hope will take centre stage at a free event marking International Overdose Awareness Day in Liverpool.

29/08/2026

Primary care physicians can play a powerful role in supporting people with substance use disorders—especially in communities where specialized addiction services may be difficult to access https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-primary-care-physicians-can-support-addiction-recovery-2026a1000tkl?form=fpf

Rural clinicians provide addiction care despite limited services, long travel distances, and gaps in treatment access that can make ongoing support difficult for patients.

23/08/2026

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. An important truth is that medication and clinical care can be critical, but lasting recovery is also built through connection, peer support, stable relationships, meaningful work, purpose and belonging. Addressing addiction requires more than a healthcare response—it requires families, workplaces, schools and entire communities to be part of the solution.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/leadership-why-addiction-strategy-demands-social-overhaul-101787405646489.html

Medication alone cannot sustain recovery from addiction as it depends on families, peer support, meaningful work, stable relationships and communities that foster hope and belonging