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What is Recovery International?
Recovery is a non-profit community service organization that was founded in 1937 by the late Abraham A. Low, M.D. who developed the self-help method after many years of research, study and treatment of patients. The organization has been completely member-managed since 1952. Our international headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. There are hundreds of groups meeting each week throughout North America and abroad.
How do I get started?
All you need to do is come to a meeting. There is no registration, appointment or waiting necessary. If you wish, you may bring a supportive friend or relative with you to the meeting.
Who comes to Recovery meetings?
People from all walks of life come to Recovery meetings because they share a common problem -- nervous symptoms and fears.
Some of the people at our meetings are under the care of doctors or other health care providers. Others simply have read or heard about us from a friend or relative.
What are some common problems Recovery helps manage?
Recovery's practical coping techniques can help people struggling with depression, anxiety, anger or stress. Many people also get help for nervous symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweats, fatigue, headaches, numbness, chest pressure and sleep problems. Some people have fears of being alone or of crowds, traveling, closed or open spaces, eating, choking and especially fear of making mistakes. Others have obsessions, compulsions, phobias or unsettling thoughts or sensations.
What is the Recovery method?
Members learn how to identify and manage the negative thoughts, reactions, beliefs and behaviors that lead to emotional pain and disturbing physical complaints which have no physical cause. You can learn the method by:
What happens at a meeting?
Weekly meetings last about two hours and are held in a community building.
Each meeting has a similar structure: Members read a portion of one of the books
written by Dr. Abraham a. Low M.D., Recovery's founder, or they listen to one of
his taped lectures. Members then volunteer examples of how they are using
the self-help method to cope better. Others comment on the example given
using Recovery's spotting tools.
After a brief question period, the meeting becomes more informal and members may talk in small groups. This is an opportunity to see how the members encourage and support each other. If you choose, you may talk about your problem and/or Recovery with the other members. You will hear how they use the Method to help themselves.
How much will it cost me?
There is no required fee to attend meetings. A voluntary collection is taken at each meeting and annual memberships are available.
Who leads the weekly meetings?
Volunteer leaders, who are experienced members of the group and have received leadership training, are our group leaders. The role of the group leader is to demonstrate the Method at meetings by following clearly established guidelines.
The Method can be used on it's own, or in conjunction with professional help or medication.
