Recovery International FAQs
What is Recovery International’s program?
Recovery International is a self-help program that teaches cognitive behavioral techniques to manage the emotions and symptoms brought up by everyday stressors. We have peer-led groups that meet weekly online, by telephone, and in-person. Meetings are available seven days a week.
In these groups, people learn to reframe their thinking and replace negative thoughts with more positive thoughts – also referred to as tools or “spots.”
Recovery International is a donation-based 501(c)3 non-profit. There is no charge to attend these meetings, but donations are encouraged. No insurance or referral is needed. If you are interested, we encourage you to attend a Welcome Meeting for Newcomers to learn more.
We were founded in 1937 in Chicago by neuropsychiatrist Abraham Low, M.D. Millions of people all over the world have used this program to lead calmer and more peaceful lives.
Who can benefit from attending Recovery International meetings?
Almost anyone can find value in the program. While Recovery International was originally founded to help people struggling with mental health issues, many people find its tools useful as a way to manage everyday stress. Stress is a major factor in most people’s lives. It is often the “small stuff” that works us up: traffic, trivialities in relationships, being late (us or someone else), waiting, off-hand comments that may feel personal, little irritations like a food order that is wrong, caregiving chores. The list is long. Most of what stresses us out in our daily lives is the “small stuff.” Recovery International provides tools to manage our reactions to the small stuff, the trivialities. Anxiety, fear, panic, depression, anger, frustration, and stress are all common emotions that bring people to Recovery International.
Recovery International meetings are run by volunteers with lived experience who are all practicing the Recovery Method in their lives. Leaders receive training, continuing education, and periodic recertification from Recovery International. They are peers, like you, who have been learning through Recovery International how to apply the 4-Step Method to manage their emotions.
Recovery International is about self-leadership. You come to meetings because you want to, because you are taking responsibility for your emotions and want to learn how to manage them better. As you learn to reframe the way you see situations and manage your emotions, you also better manage the physical symptoms that can be brought on by everyday stressors.
When can I expect to see results from my Recovery International practice in my own life?
As you begin to practice the Recovery International Method and tools, you will begin to see situations in a different light, be able to alter your responses to triggers and reduce your symptoms. Because re-training your brain takes time, the best way to integrate these concepts in your life is through daily practice and regular attendance at meetings, where you can learn from others’ experiences as well as your own.
How do I learn to give examples using the Recovery International 4-Step Method?
You will learn from listening to others give their examples and by following the Example Outline sheet and other Recovery International meeting materials available online for free. Just download the Newcomers’ Packet. You can also purchase the Better Mental Health for Everyone introductory workbook to learn the main concepts and terms used in the program, and how to develop an example with the 4-Step Method. The book also has a handy list of tools or “spots” that can be used during the example-giving process and applied to situations in your own life.
How many different Recovery International meetings may I attend?
To get started, we suggest you attend a Recovery International Welcome Meeting for Newcomers either by phone or Zoom. You can attend any available meetings listed on our Find a Meeting Page – in-person, Zoom, Phone and Chat meetings are options. Some meetings, and the Facebook Closed Meeting Group are for members only due to high demand.
Find a Meeting Near You
In-person, Zoom, Phone, Chat, Newcomers and more.
Can I take notes?
Notes may be taken at any point during the meeting except when examples are being given. This assures the example‐giver that no one is writing down the details of their situation.
Can I talk to someone if I have questions between Recovery International meetings?
If you are regularly attending Recovery International meetings but need additional help between meetings, we have 5-minute phone calls where you can give an example to another person experienced in the 4-Step Method. Ask your group leader for contact information for the person or people in the group who are willing to take 5-minute phone calls for assistance between meetings. Or call our main office at (312) 337-5661 and ask to have someone call you for a 5-minute phone call or text. Since our program focuses on self-leadership, these calls should be reserved for times when you have tried to spot yourself, but need some additional assistance.
Where can I get the Recovery International books that are read during meetings?
The main texts, Mental Health Through Will Training, Manage Your Fears Manage Your Anger, Selections from Dr. Low’s Works and other materials can be purchased through the Recovery International store on our website, by calling the RI office at (312) 337-5661, or on Amazon.
When should I seek professional mental health help?
Seeking professional mental health help is a strong and positive step toward your well-being. Reach out to a mental health professional (therapist, counselor, psychologist, social workers, psychiatrist or your physician) if you have:
- Persistent distress: When feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness last for weeks or months and interfere with your daily life.
- Impaired functioning: If your mental state affects your ability to work, study, maintain relationships, or care for yourself.
- Severe symptoms: Experiencing intense panic attacks, overwhelming fear, hallucinations, delusions, or suicidal thoughts.
- Trauma or loss: After experiencing significant trauma, grief, or major life changes that feel unmanageable.
- Substance use: When you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs to cope with emotions or stress.
- Behavioral changes: Noticeable changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, or social withdrawal.
- Physical symptoms: Unexplained physical problems like headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain that don’t improve with medical treatment.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek emergency help right away by calling 988 (Crisis Hotline) or 911.
Are Recovery International Group Leaders mental health professionals?
No. Group Leaders are your peers. Leaders are volunteers with lived experience and have all practiced the Recovery International Method in their lives. Leaders receive initial training, continuing education, and periodic recertification.
Is Recovery International a 12 Step program?
Recovery International is not a 12 Step program. The organization was founded around the same time as Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s, as the value of peer self-help groups was starting to be recognized. However, many people in 12 Step programs find it is useful to attend Recovery International meetings. The two programs can be complementary and provide additional support.
Recovery International is a self-help program focusing on cognitive-behavioral techniques. It is not intended specifically for drug, alcohol and addiction issues. But many people do find it to be a useful addition to their well-being toolbox.
Is there a stigma attached to attending Recovery International meetings?
Maintaining one’s mental health is like maintaining one’s physical health: it is a lifelong endeavor. It used to be that there was a stigma associated with mental health issues. Recovery International, along with many other organizations, has been working to eliminate that. People don’t hesitate to mention that they have been to a physical exercise class. Our meetings are like exercise for your mental and emotional well-being. Some people prefer to call us their “personal growth” or “personal development” group, and that works too! We don’t care how you define us in your life – just that you feel free to attend to benefit from the skills we teach. Consistent practice can produce profound change. And it takes courage to get started.
For other questions, contact info@recoveryinternational.org or 312-337-5661.
Contact us in Spanish: espanol@recoveryinternational.org