What We Do

The Recovery Academy is a dynamic forum dedicated to:

• Promoting recovery and its transformative potential.
• Providing support for individuals in recovery and their families.
• Organizing recovery activities that foster connection and well-being.
• Raising awareness about the reality and benefits of recovery.
• Offering workshops and training to build knowledge and skills around recovery.
• Conducting research to strengthen the evidence base for recovery.
• Advocating for policy changes to support recovery-oriented approaches.

We aim to amplify the voices of people in recovery, their families, and allies, offering a hopeful vision for the future. The academy is a place where individuals can learn about recovery from those who are “loud and proud” about their own journeys.

Ultimately, our goal is to inspire a shift in addiction services in Ireland, moving from a focus solely on harm reduction to a comprehensive recovery model, in line with leading international practices.

The work of the Recovery Academy is underpinned by the Principles of recovery;

1. 1. Diverse Pathways: Recovery can take many forms, and each journey is unique.
   2. Self-Directed and Empowering: Recovery is driven by individual choices and fosters personal empowerment.
   3. Recognizing the Need for Change: Recovery begins with a personal acknowledgment of the need for transformation.
   4. Holistic Approach: Recovery addresses the whole person, encompassing mind, body, and spirit.
   5. Cultural Dimensions: Recovery respects and integrates cultural identity and diversity.
   6. Continuum of Wellness: Recovery is a process of ongoing improvement in health and well-being.
   7. Hope and Gratitude: Recovery is nurtured by hope and a sense of gratitude for progress.
   8. Healing and Self-Redefinition: Recovery involves healing and redefining one’s sense of self.
   9. Overcoming Stigma and Discrimination: Recovery requires addressing and rising above shame, stigma, and societal barriers.
   10. Supportive Relationships: Recovery is strengthened by the encouragement of peers and allies.
   11. Community Connection: Recovery includes reconnecting with and contributing to community life.
   12. A Real Possibility: Recovery is achievable and attainable for everyone.

Supporting People

The Recovery Academy is committed to fostering safe, healthy communities that are essential for recovery. We aim to raise awareness about the benefits of recovery and actively support social projects designed for people in recovery, such as recovery cafés, sports initiatives, and creative groups. By partnering with community organisations and networks, we will build a robust framework of support and opportunity.

Additionally, we will continue to develop and empower recovery coaches—mentors who provide practical guidance and encouragement to individuals in early recovery—and recovery champions—advocates who embody and promote the positive impact of recovery through their own lived experiences. Together, we can create a supportive environment that inspires and sustains recovery for all

The Benefits of a Recovery Academy

The Recovery Academy ensures that the authentic voice of recovery is heard—not only within addiction services but also at the community level and in national policymaking. By amplifying these voices, we aim to influence positive change and break down stigma.

We will build on the growing evidence base supporting recovery from addiction and foster an inclusive alliance of service users, professionals, families, and allies. A key focus will be on developing and empowering leaders within the recovery community, equipping them to inspire and advocate for others.

Most importantly, the Recovery Academy provides a voice and hope for individuals on their recovery journey—whether they are recovering from drug or alcohol dependence, behavioral addictions, or are still contemplating detox and treatment. We want to show that recovery is not just a possibility but an achievable reality.