Is Possible

“For me, recovery is about creating a better life for myself and for my family and ultimately for my community. Because when I’m better, they’re all better.” – Tom C.

Recovery is Possible.

The Chance to Change Your Life

Your addiction has given you the opportunity to change your life. Changing your life is what makes recovery both difficult and rewarding. Recovery is difficult because you have to change your life, and all change is difficult, even good change. Recovery is rewarding because you get the chance to change your life. Most people sleepwalk through life. They don’t think about who they are or what they want to be, and then one day they wake up and wonder why they aren’t happy.

If you use this opportunity for change, you’ll look back and think of your addiction as one of the best things that ever happened to you. People in recovery often describe themselves as grateful addicts. Why would someone be grateful to have an addiction? Because their addiction helped them find an inner peace and tranquility that most people crave. Recovery can help you change your life.

Recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs benefits everyone – families, friends, neighbors, and the person who gets into recovery. It is a reality for thousands of New Mexicans of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and economic and social classes. We must accord dignity to people with addiction and recognize that there is no one path to recovery.



  1. There are many pathways to recovery
  2. Recovery is self-directed and empowering
  3. Recovery involves a personal recognition of the need to change and transformation
  4. Recovery is holistic
  5. Recovery has cultural dimensions
  6. Recovery exists on a continuum of improved health and wellness
  7. Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude
  8. Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition
  9. Recovery involves addressing discrimination and transcending shame and stigma
  10. Recovery is supported by peers and allies
  11. Recovery involves (re) (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community
  12. Recovery is a reality

Recovery emerges from hope.

The belief that recovery is real provides the essential and motivating message of a better future—that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles that confront them. Hope is internalized and can be fostered by peers, families, providers, allies, and others. Hope is the catalyst of the recovery process.

Recovery is person-driven.


Recovery occurs via many pathways.

Individuals are unique with distinct needs, strengths, preferences, goals, culture, and backgrounds— including trauma experience — that affect and determine their pathway(s) to recovery.


Recovery pathways are highly personalized.

They may include professional clinical treatment; use of medications; support from families and in schools; faith-based approaches; peer support; and other approaches. Recovery is non-linear, characterized by continual growth and improved functioning that may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural, though not inevitable, part of the recovery process, it is essential to foster resilience for all individuals and families. In some cases, recovery pathways can be enabled by creating a supportive environment. This is especially true for children, who may not have the legal or developmental capacity to set their own course.

Recovery is holistic.

Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community. This includes addressing: self-care practices, family, housing, employment, transportation, education, clinical treatment for mental disorders and substance use disorders, services and supports, primary healthcare, dental care, complementary and alternative services, faith, spirituality, creativity, social networks, and community participation. The array of services and supports available should be integrated and coordinated.

Recovery is supported by peers and allies.


Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks.

An important factor in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people who believe in the person’s ability to recover; who offer hope, support, and encouragement; and who also suggest strategies and resources for change. Family members, peers, providers, faith groups, community members, and other allies form vital support networks. Through these relationships, people leave unhealthy and/or unfulfilling life roles behind and engage in new roles (e.g., partner, caregiver, friend, student, employee) that lead to a greater sense of belonging, personhood, empowerment, autonomy, social inclusion, and community participation. Recovery is culturally-based and influenced Culture and cultural background in all of its diverse representations—including values, traditions, and beliefs—are keys in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway to recovery. Services should be culturally grounded, attuned, sensitive, congruent, and competent, as well as personalized to meet each individual’s unique needs.

Recovery is supported by addressing trauma.



Recovery is based on respect Community, systems, and societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by mental health and substance use problems— including protecting their rights and eliminating discrimination—are crucial in achieving recovery.


New Mexico’s Opioid Network of Care

The Peer Worker is an integral and highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team. They provide formalized peer support and practical assistance to people who have or are receiving services to help regain control over their lives in their own unique recovery process. Through wisdom from their own lived experience, they inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible. 

Office of Peer Recovery and Engagement (OPRE)
Behavioral Health Services Division
Human Services Department
New main office number: 505-470-3311
OPRE team will be available to answer this line from 8-5 Monday thru Friday

Learn How to be a Peer