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Since SHARE! began preparing people for the peer workforce in 2016, we have required participants to attend self-help meetings hosted by Recovery International (RI) meetings and integrate the methods into their practice, in part to improve their ability to weather the stresses of work as well as their ability to refer people to RI.

Founded in 1937 by the neuropsychiatrist Dr. Abraham Low, Recovery International is a self-help organization that provides support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and other emotional or behavioral disorders.

Dr. Low’s remarkable ingenuity enabled him to develop methods at a time when peer support was not well understood. The effectiveness of Recovery International meetings can be attributed to a combination of his evidence-based methodologies and techniques, a supportive and non-judgmental environment, and regular attendance and participation.

Many people have told us that going to RI is one of the most meaningful aspects of our peer training program, and some continue to attend long after our SHARE! training is over. One participant said, “I’m so grateful to have found RI. It’s such a useful approach that anyone can use. I can’t believe I had never heard of it.” It has helped him cope with family issues and medical setbacks.

Another participant found that the RI method helped him control his temper, which had previously led him to use crystal meth. He learned that “Temper is frequently uncontrolled, but not uncontrollable.”

Recently, a group of RI members helped put together a wonderful video introducing the RI method and offering two examples. We have been a proud recipient of the Ada Davis Spirit Award for our efforts to support RI, and we are very excited to incorporate the videos into our peer workforce training. Watch an introduction to the RI method here.

People practice the Recovery International method through local support groups, where individuals can connect with others who are going through similar challenges and learn from each other’s experiences. The meetings take place online, by phone, by chat and in person.

SHARE! takes great pride in our strong relationship with RI and looks forward to contributing to its continued expansion, bringing the benefits of peace of mind and body to even more individuals. To all who have been part of the Recovery International fellowship, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and encourage you to acknowledge yourselves for the integral role you’ve played in shaping RI into what it is today.

ABOUT RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL: Recovery International (RI) is a non-profit, self-help mental health organization founded in 1937 by psychiatrist Dr. Abraham A. Low. The organization is based on the cognitive-behavioral principles that individuals can learn to manage their own thoughts and behaviors to improve their mental health and well-being.

The RI program is designed to help individuals struggling with a range of emotional and behavioral challenges, such as anxiety, depression, anger, and other forms of emotional distress. RI offers a structured program that teaches participants how to identify and manage their negative thinking patterns and behaviors, as well as how to develop positive coping skills and strategies.

The RI program is based on the concept of the “Tools of Recovery,” which are a set of practical techniques and strategies designed to help individuals manage their emotional and behavioral challenges. These tools include techniques such as positive self-talk, visualization, relaxation, and problem-solving. www.recoveryinternational.org