Using Recovery Language: Own Your Story, Influence Public Opinion and Policy

This training will explore substance use disorders (SUD), recovery capital, the impact of recovery language and how it strengthens the 8 dimensions of wellness, and the creation of recovery-ready communities. The training will equip participants in how to identify major community issues and advocate for recovery-oriented solutions. Stories of recovery serve as living proof that recovery works, while spotlighting the ways recovery transforms lives. As allies, we uphold the belief that recovery is possible for individuals and families who struggle with alcohol and drug problems.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn to use language that promotes recovery, reduces stigma, and builds community.
2. Learn how advocacy can create recovery ready and recovery-friendly communities, increasing recovery capital for people in recovery and recovery allies.
3. Identify unintended consequences that may result from sharing recovery stories and understand how to use risk management strategies.
4. Participants will learn how to use their own recovery story to teach about recovery, reduce stigma and demonstrate that recovery is a reality.

Who Should Attend?

• Participants who are in recovery will learn how to shape their recovery story to educate about recovery, reduce stigma, and advocate for change.
• Families and allies will enhance their understanding of how to support people in recovery and advocate in their communities.
• Treatment providers will expand their knowledge of the breadth and scope of recovery journeys and how to provide ongoing support for those in recovery.

CEUs will be available for participants who attend the entire session. Lunch will be provided by In a Pinch Cafe & Bakery. The FINAL deadline to register for this training is Tuesday, October 20, 2025 at noon.

Please fill out the registration form.
 
Presenter
Andrew Kiezulas, Founder, Young People in Recovery – Portland, ME, Chapter and Co-Founder, University of Southern Maine, Recovery Oriented Campus Center

As person in long-term recovery and a recovery ally, Andrew has a deep understanding of how influencing public opinion can reshape public policy. While still in college, Andrew became a passionate recovery advocate. He founded a chapter of Young People in Recovery (YPR), a national recovery support services organization, in Portland, ME, and co-founded University of Southern Maine’s Recovery Oriented Campus Center.

Andrew has co-authored two U.S. Senate Resolutions and collaborated on local, state, and federal policy with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. He has trained thousands of people in and seeking recovery, recovery allies, direct mental health and recovery service providers, government organizations, lawmakers, and law enforcement. Humbled by these opportunities, Andrew volunteers as Vice-Chair of YPR’s Board of Directors, while serving as CEO of a small medical device coating company in MA.