Recovery Dharma (RD): Support for Addiction

To an extent, we all experience suffering and can struggle with the impacts of addiction, whether through ourselves or loved ones. Recovery Dharma is a safe space to find freedom from the suffering of addiction with like-minded individuals looking to better themselves.

Recovery Dharma is founded on and inspired by Buddhism. It is a peer lead movement and community that uses the some of the traditional Buddhist teachings to empower oneself on the path of recovery.

What is it?

1. All addictions, one program

2. Trauma- informed

3. Meditation in every meeting

4. Buddhist- inspired, not required

5. Higher power not required

6. You’re empowered- not powerless

7. Compatible with other programs

8. Spiritual principles include: Compassion, Kindness, Generosity

9. Strive for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility

The Buddha saw a way out of the cycle of suffering and developed the Four Noble Truths, which are the foundation of the program.

The Four Noble Truths

1st There is suffering: we experience suffering in this life

2nd There’s a cause for suffering: We experience that craving, aversion, and ignorance lead to suffering

3rd There’s a way of ending suffering: We experience that less craving, aversion, and ignorance leads to less suffering

4th There’s a path that leads to ending suffering: We cultivate and experience the path of recovery and awakening

How does Recovery Dharma Work?

Renunciation (Honesty & Integrity)

• We commit to abstinence from addictive substances. We identify needs, set boundaries and practice self- care.

Meditation (Spirituality & Humility)

• We commit to the intention of developing a daily meditation practice.

Meetings (Willingness & Service)

• We attend meetings, actively participate, and become of service when possible

The Path (Open-Mindedness & Disciple)

• Deepening our understanding of and practicing the Four Noble Truths

Inventory (Courage & Awareness)

• Healing the root cause of our suffering

Community (Love & Connection)

• Cultivate healthy relationships in the recovery community to stay on the path

Growth (Progress is Perfection)

• Undertake a lifelong journey of growth and awakening

Where can I find a meeting?

Meetings can be found in person or online, depending on your location. Through the website, https://recoverydharma.org/meetings/ you can type in your zip code and find a meeting near you. To join an online meeting, you simply find a time that works best for you and click on the zoom link.

What to expect my first meeting:

You can expect a peer lead, hour long meeting. You will have the option to introduce yourself by saying your name and where you are from. This is followed by a reading from the Recovery Dharma book that you can download for free. A meditation will follow the reading, and then an opportunity to share about your week. You can expect that there will be no cross conversating, and no pressure to share.

Link to buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCXFDZ4

Link to the free PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Isotp-WlUedFJlKDqjpvO7uKgVsvX3J1/view

Recovery Dharma is a safe space for you to explore your addiction, heal from suffering, and gain a new perspective on life and self-empowerment. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about what Recovery Dharma has to offer, you can click on the link below to go to the main home page:

https://recoverydharma.org/

Abigail Hankins, MS, PCLC