multi-racial group of adults sitting around a table, several are laughing

We are so grateful to KTTC for sharing some of the powerful work we’re doing at Recovery Is Happening! From KTTC: ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – In today’s world, many are bound by addiction. According to the state Department of Health, among adult Minnesotans, alcohol is the primary substance used at the time of admission to treatment, followed by methamphetamine. Only one in ten people with a substance use disorder receive treatment in the U.S. A Rochester nonprofit works every day to change that… [read more]Read More →

More than 100 people gathered together on Saturday morning, September 9th, to celebrate recovery together with a 5k walk/run. We enjoyed fellowship and laughter, plus some tender tears (thank you, friends). This could not have happened without all of you! Please check out some photos from the festivities (thank you to our Board Chair, Charlie Perkins for capturing these images!):Read More →

Wellbriety Movement meetings are held at Recovery Is Happening’s Rochester center on Thursdays, beginning with a Smudge Ceremony at 6:30 and meeting following at 7pm. Our Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Maria, describes the meetings as a “safe place for misfits.” She says, “Wellbriety is especially for people of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds who feel they don’t fit in to AA or NA, for the ‘odd ones.’” The Wellbriety Movement creates the opportunity for individuals, families, communities and nations to live sober and balanced lives; healthy lives that are balanced emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Don Coyhis and Richard Simonelli describe the Wellbriety MovementRead More →

Three adult women standing facing the camera with their arms around each other, they are all smiling and wearing t-shirts with information about the rally for recovery walk.

January 2023 Dear friends of Recovery Is Happening, Last week, the Board of Directors and I worked with a consultant to begin a new strategic planning process for Recovery Is Happening’s Recovery Community Organization. This led to reflections about the past year that I would like to share with you. In 2022, we faced challenges due to the opioid crisis and the other painful realities of substance use disorder, and we also shared many beautiful successes. While in many respects the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are delighted to share that more and more in-person recovery meetings are happening at our Rochester center, including traditional 12Read More →

Orange Shirt Day, or National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or National Day of Remembrance, is observed yearly on September 30 in Canada and the United States. This year (2022), Recovery Is Happening’s Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Annishinaabe woman from Sagkeeng First Nation, the Eagle Clan, Maria Sontag, shared part of her story at an event supporting the “Every Child Matters” movement as a part of Orange Shirt Day. In addition to being in recovery for substance use disorder, Maria shared with attendees, “I am the Daughter of Residential School Survivors and I am a 60’s Scoop Survivor.” Maria was one of two speakers.Read More →

two people sitting, facing away from the camera, one person's head on the other person's shoulder

By Sarah Blanshan, APRN, CNP Someone you love is struggling with substance abuse disorder (SUD). You know because they are continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol despite the harmful effects it is having on their life and relationships. Now you are wondering, “How can I help?” The good news is that recovery is possible. And you can have a significant impact in helping your loved one reclaim their life. Here are some ways you can help: Speak directly to them about your concerns. Research treatment options available in your area. Recommend they get a chemical health assessment. Schedule or stage an intervention. Take advantage ofRead More →

What a beautiful event! A great time was had by all at our Rally for Recovery 2022 5k Walk/Run. Thank you to all who participated, and to our donors and sponsors! (Be sure to check out the video below the photos, too!)  Read More →