Picture of Recovery
What does recovery look like to you?
Recovery takes many forms—and every voice, image, and story helps paint the bigger picture of hope, healing, and connection.
We invited members of our community to share personal photos and stories that show recovery in action, in all its beautiful variety. Some stories reflect personal recovery journeys, others come from recovery allies or family members. You’ll find moments of advocacy, joy, service, remembrance, and even the pets who walk beside us along the way.
Together, these stories remind us that recovery is everywhere. By talking openly about substance use disorder and recovery, we break stigma, build understanding, and offer hope to others on their journey.
Thank you to everyone who continues to share your voices of recovery—you help show that recovery is not only possible, but thriving.
Kayla
Means the world to me. Ten year heroin addict that used to weigh only like 89 pounds and had nothing to look forward too! Recovery saved me.
Nicole
The man in this picture is the love of my life. Addiction and trauma took his life too soon, 3-1-18.
Jeana
Recovery means finding and becoming a better version of oneself, and living a stable productive life.
Bernice
28 years in recovery! Taking my life back and handing everything over to my Creator! So that I can give back to my community and help the next young Native American get sober!
Yer
Recovery is a lifelong process, and social support is one of the most important factors in sustaining long-term recovery. To me, being a recovery ally means listening, educating myself (there is so much to learn and unlearn), and supporting those seeking freedom from addiction. Recovery is possible. Everyone deserves to have the chance at a life they dream of. Life grows even in the harshest of conditions.
Gabby
This photo is of my best friend and I on an amazing vacation in southern Utah. Recovery brought us together and made it possible to share wonderful experiences like this.
Ali
Attending and ultimately graduating from St Catherine University not only provided me with an amazing educational experience it also empowered me to do more within my community.
Ann
Recovery has given me the opportunity to adopt this beautiful girl! Zena is my emotional support animal, reminding me to take care of myself first in order to share the love I have for the world around me and carry the message. In her spare time Zena enjoys napping, learning new tricks, and chasing her laser. Zena holds me accountable to stick to my routines and program and show up to support her like she supports me!
Meg
This photo was taken to remember him as he passed away on 8/19/20. Robbie Maiers was a artistic fellow who loved flowers, the color orange, bugs, and taking photos. You will be missed my beloved nephew. You will always have a special place in my heart. Love “Your FAVORITE Aunt, Meg
Miche'le
In 2011 I walked through the doors of MRC. I was 9 months sober and fighting to stay sober. That day was the start of my recovery. I was welcomed by 3 women who embraced me. I showed up every day for 8 hours a day for two weeks. Something as small as shredding paper kept my mind occupied. As the time passed through the months I found a part of me that was empty filled with peace, love and joy. My recovery strengthened, and I am here today with 10 years of RECOVERY. MRC will always be the heart beat of my recovery. Love, Miche’le Cortinas
Marisha
When a beloved sister was in mortal danger because of addiction and abandonment, I stepped up to advocate for her recovery, despite the fierce censure of most of my family. Many years later, she let me know that I was the only one who cared enough to take the flak for what seemed, at first, to be a lost cause.
Alana
9/13/2013 I got sober, and since then I have gone to college. I got my bachelors degree, and now I get to answer the call of service during a global pandemic. This is the grace of God.
Gloria
This is what Hope looks like to me. Connecting with Minneapolis friends during Unite to Face Addiction in DC
Melinda
Chefs Recover! Servers Recover! Restaurants Recover! Recovery is everywhere! Start where you are and don’t forget to share your story! Stories change lives!
Sam
The hungriest, thirstiest, slobbery-est and far and away the funnest, most rewarding gift my recovery has given me has been my friendship with the good boy Koskie Dog.
Marisha
My son and I outside The Lion King, west end, London. Already we are recovering from a hideous family situation, even though I am still married to his father.
John
Grateful to be sober 42 years this year. Grateful to have the opportunity to share my recovery story with members and veterans of our Armed Forces.
Wendy
I took this photo watching the sun rise over Lake Superior. In my recovery, I’ve become an early morning person. Every sunrise inspires me and gives me hope.
John
I am Anishinaabe, my name is Niizh Animikii; Second Thunderbird. This photo represents a gift in the form of a path. I was in and out for years, trying to get well. There came a tipping point, where I became willing to do what was asked. So I followed instructions, asked for help, and surrendered. What this life has allowed me to do, amazes me. A Ph.D, two Masters Degrees. A rewarding career in tribal service. A loving partner, a home. This path has responsibilities and challenges. But greater still, it has love and kindness. This, we get to share this with each other. With love, Dr Littlewolf
Angela
Grateful I can take photos of myself. I love myself today. Recovery has given me my family back and myself back.
Hillary
My husband celebrates 20 years in recovery this year. His recovery journey is central to who he is and how he moves through the world. It’s a big part of why I fell in love with him, and why we get to be parents to the most beautiful 1-year-old. Thank you and “Happy Birthday” my love!
Deanna
She looked in the mirror and finally was at peace with her soul, she spoke to her mind and listened with mindfulness. She was full of innermost wisdom, The path that was paved for her was full of innermost freedoms. A path to walk alone to restore the life she lived before, young and feeding her ego. Not listening to her intuitions, taking Chances without the blessings. Relations with no weddings. Befriended bad habits. No time for self and self care she was emotionally, physically, mentally and brokenly impaired. Emotionally, physically, mentally not there. When I couldn’t look in the mirror.
Carmen
Ramsey County Sheriffs Department working in the Community to provide Recovery Resource Information. Congratulations on your recovery!
Adam
My girlfriend and I weathering the Covid winter of discontent and Fourth of July sober in recovery and loving it.
Justin
When I was not in recovery I never spoke with my family. Now that I chose a recovery we live together. This is my 83 year old father and me enjoying some sun! The connection and love we have for each other is so much stronger than it used to be. For that I am forever grateful.
Bailey
One of the men in the picture Travis Koster passed away during this pandemic. In this picture we all got together in Duluth Minnesota and did a walk for recovery.
Joslynn
Recovery means I can see magical places in the world and in my own heart. I am living close to my Creator and becoming the woman I was intended to be. I love myself and I love others, and i no longer self-sabotage. I live with a grateful heart and i have been given an amazing army of love in recovery!
Missions Inc. Hart House
She is me, Together are we…Sisterhood and Sobriety @Missions Inc, Hart House
SaraEmma
Recovery has brought me comfort in stillness and observation of the world–as it is, rather than as I’d like it to be–around me.
Donell
Recovery to me, is the changes I have made in my life to create a whole new lifestyle. I entered treatment three years ago and have realized recovery is work in progress. Recovery has given me the ability to live a fulfilling life with the help and support of sober connections, family, and friends I have now become the person I have always wanted to be, by living a healthier lifestyle.
Adrienne
My sons are the most beautiful humans I have ever met! They are why I choose recovery! They deserve to have a happy, healthy mom that loves herself.
Deette
In recovery, I’ve learned I can do activities and have more fun doing it sober. I laugh harder, play better and enjoy the simple things in life! I’m so grateful for my recovery!
Marisha
At my loft, after my son emancipated. A gathering of such dear ones, supporting each other in our various recoveries, and listening so closely to each other.
Kyle
This photo was taken of me outside of Nuway 3rs and when I got my first taste of recovery and knew I wanted to give it a serious shot. This was after I had my first job interview after almost 3 years of active use. This photo makes me happy cause it was captured with no intention of the “change g” being so perfectly placed there. That’s what I believe I need to do is change “g”.
Carmen
Ramsey County Sheriffs Department working in the Community to provide Recovery Resource Information. Congratulations on your recovery!
Jason
The things that filled me with suicidal and self destructive shame have become gifts that I can use to help others find hope and connection. It’s my responsibility to carry the message. To give to others what was so freely given to me! The gift of Hope, Willingness and Recovery!! Through my community recovery meetings, family recovery supports, treatment centers and The Way Out Podcast; I share my experience, strength and hope. I pray that this helps some people receive the gift of recovery in their own life!
#RecoveryWorks #Wedorecover
SaraEmma
Working in the recovery field this year has meant showing up for our community in creative ways. Prioritizing connection through thick and thin has, in turn, supported my recovery with equal measure.
Edward
As a person in long term recovery of 12 years of continuous abstinence from all substances. Today I am a father to a wonderful 10 yr old boy. I Have sole legal and physical custody. I’ve raised Edward since he was an infant. Because of recovery, I have a relationship with my family again whom I was estranged from for over a decade because of heroin addiction. I’m a student and have 2 degrees in Human Services and a LADC! I have a partner who loves me and who I love unconditionally. I show up in people’s lives and am here to support those struggling within SUD. I’m a social justice advocate.
Tiffany
After my recovery I found the beauty in my birds! I never thought I would be a bird owner but after my recovery my mind has opened to more beautiful things in life.
Julie
We are a family that stands with Recovery. I get to have an incredible life today loving and living with my family BECAUSE of recovery.
Sheri
My photo represents the amazing transformation that Recovery has done for my life and how I continue to empower and encourage others to embrace Recovery.
Ali
In 2020 I was nominated for and voted on to become the Collegiate Recovery Student of the Year by key stakeholders in the collegiate recovery community. This was an incredible honor and an amazing award and is a great community to be a part of.
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Rachel
Offering prayers of gratitude at Mille Lacs Lake after getting hired as Peer Recovery Specialist.
Bethany
My sober house, both the staff and clients, have given me hope. And confidence. And friendship. And so many other things I forgot I could have.
Ashlee
Recovery allows me to be the mother that my children deserve and the person I was born to be.
LaDonna
Recovery means getting to spend time with my next generation and they get to experience a sober grandma.
Valerie
This photo means the world to me, not just because it’s with my fiancé and my nephew. It means a lot to me because it shows that when you grow and recover it affects everyone just like your addiction does. I’m able to affect my nephew in a positive way. We were all wearing our sober squad shirts with pride to a family event. I have family that loves me and still supports me from my lowest times. And I’m even more grateful that I have sober support friends that turned into family. Recovery is family! Squad!
Sarah
Celebrating eight years of continual sobriety from all chemicals, through the help of 12 steps and the fellowship.
Michelle
I am grateful to work with women in recovery and for the privilege to be part of their process. If only to plant a seed or to witness transformation from life of addiction to a life worth living. These sunflowers represent a strong message of healing and recovery.
Kevin
Zeus seemed to know what I couldn’t explain to any human. Part of my recovery is dealing with lifelong anxiety and depression. Early in recovery, lying awake in silent, desperate rumination, Zeus woke up, ambled over, and stretched himself across my legs (something he had never done before). It snapped me out of it for a moment, and I looked up. With a satisfying doggie sigh, Zeus fell asleep on me. He reminded me that I’m not alone. Gradually, I have learned the importance of connection and mindfulness, but I will always remember the seemingly hopeless night that Zeus taught me both.
Heather
Recovery means that we as an alumni group get to show up for other who are embarking on the same path we walked.
Angela
A whole new life…drivers license, reinstated cosmetology license, year long employment, and most importantly reunified with my twins and family. Loving Life!
Elizabeth
Recovery gave me a 2nd chance (or 10) at life and because of that, I was able to help give Charlie girl a 2nd chance at life and nurse her back to life. She was abandoned by her mom and left to die cuz she the runt with a heart murmur and infested with worms, ear mites, and a yeast infection in the ears. Now she’s the Queen of Hart House 👑 I owe my life to my Creator, and to the staff at Hart House. Without them and the time I’ve had to just be, I don’t know that I’d have made it this far. Clean N Serene since 3-26-18
Marisha
I started putting myself first. Even though I was newly separated, raising my son alone as a freelance writer in a terrible economy, I went ahead and bought two kayaks, one for him and one for ME.
Maria
Recovery means being aware of my place in God’s beautiful universe. My Higher Power has done for me what I could never have done for myself, and I get to show my gratitude for that by giving back and being present with my family, my community, and myself.
Kari
This was taken on my “6th birthday”. The 2 balloons I am holding represent my mom and brother who I lost to overdose
Gloria
Not many times when my family celebrated our Recovery together. After dinner we went to a Timberwolves game.
Jay Pee
It means to me a better way of life.. a life that is not selfish.. building a life that is selfless, being of service to people, helping them find their way, as we was once lost and being that because of HOPE!!
George
George and Gracie Lou , recovery is hard work and dedication ! One day at a time ! Thanks to Creator for second chance at life. Miigwech 🙏🏼 thanks !
Susie
Representing my employer, Mental Health Resources at the MN State Fair. We were getting the word out about how to improve your mental health.
Crysil
Every year I get to spend time in Jamaica with the love of my life who is also in recovery! It wouldn’t be possible without recovery!
Emily
This photo was taken of me hiking on my honeymoon in Sardinia, Italy. Through the gifts of recovery, my world has gotten so much bigger – literally and figuratively. I’ve met more people, traveled more, and have a life I never could have imagined!
Jenna
I lost my dad this year to this disease. I love and miss you so much, Dad. I know he is proud of me and my recovery.
SaraEmma
Gordon has an intuitive way of sensing the emotions of humans around him. Jumping in to snuggle those who need it most, without fail, at exactly the right moment, every time. He is most certainly a creature comfort who supports my recovery.
William
This photo is about us in the community, with other active people in recovery. It symbolizes hope, joy, and passion.
Jessica
My brother Jake passed away January 26th, 2020 from a fentanyl overdose. His passing has strengthened my desire to stay sober and start a career in addiction counseling to help the addict who still suffers.
Paul
Despite a virus outbreak, Im heading to a Twin Cities Sober Squad Meeting during the pandemic at 2218 Alano Club.
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Allie
My brother Jake passed away January 26th, 2020 from a fentanyl overdose. His passing has strengthened my desire to stay sober and start a career in addiction counseling to help the addict who still suffers.
Wendy
Ida Mae (the world’s most beautiful cat) is just one of many feline family members who supported my recovery!
Marisha
I am participating in a family effort to honor my mother, by getting my lovely friend and terrific photographer to take this picture of me with a bas-relief my mother created of an angel. My mother’s cruelty to me could scarcely be exaggerated, and, after decades of attempting to heal the relationship, I chose to give up, and seek only distance from her. Hope bloomed. I began a novel, exploring her early life, as well as mine, and finding and expressing my love that way. Letting go of any hope of reconciliation led to the most profound regeneration.
Sammer
Voting in the first election of my life because I had either been on probation or parole my entire adult life.
SaraEmma
Bob
Gloria
Patrick
Gloria
Sean
Jeremy
Wendy
Miche'le
Kevin
Bob and Carmen
Laura
Kari
Hillary
Kaylee
Ruth
Laura
Jay Pee
Jamie
Meg
Caitlin
Lisa
Jenna
Alyssa
Desirae
Morgan
AI
Annette
Jen
Carmen
A Vietnam Vet, good human being, loved Carlos Santana and baseball.Alcohol was his demise. Rest in peace, hermanito!
Marisha
Sarah
Ian
Jackie
His bright smile warms my heart…seeing him happy was a joy to me. My baby boy lost his battle of addiction on 06-12-2020…he was 24 years old. It has forever changed our lives. He may be gone…but he will NEVER be forgotten!! LLDJ ❤️