Recovery is the hero’s journey

Dr. David Fawcett

People in long-term recovery from addiction and related issues are happiest when they view recovery as a journey (an ongoing learning and growth experience) rather than some kind of destination. Yes, we want to achieve very specific long-term goals of recovery from problematic behavior, but there is much more to the recovery and healing process. To help visualize this, we sometimes use the Hero’s Journey as conceptualized by Joseph Campbell.

Interestingly, Campbell is not a psychotherapist. He is a professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College, specializing in comparative mythology. As he taught classical literature to his students, he developed a theory of heroic archetypes in world mythology, leading to the theory of what we now know as the hero’s journey.

Campbell points out that from Greek mythology to the present day, the most compelling and beloved stories often feature a reluctant hero who must overcome challenges and temptations in order to transform, atone, and become a stronger, better person. Often, this hero is helped by a mentor or spiritual advisor early on, and then, by the end of the story, the hero reaches (and often exceeds) the level of that mentor or spiritual advisor.

JRR Tolkien’s classic work, Hobbitis a classic example of the hero’s journey. exist HobbitBilbo Baggins is a chubby, delightful little fellow who enjoys afternoon tea and the creature comforts of his cozy underground home. “Adventure? Not for me, thank you very much.” But then Bilbo is dragged off on a mission – a journey – by the wizard Gandalf and a group of surly but lovable dwarves. Before he knew it, he had outsmarted trolls, slain orcs, and angered dragons. His reward after all this is over is 1/12^th He trades a mountain’s treasure to bring peace to a land that is not his own.

Bilbo is a powerful adventurer in his own way. He also becomes a selfless hero – one more interested in making the world a better place than living his former pampered life.

So, what does this have to do with addiction?

Everything, when viewed through the right lens. When we begin our recovery journey, we, like Bilbo, avoid anything stressful or risky. We live in a predictable (albeit suffocating and emotionally draining) world where we escape any and all emotional discomfort by drinking, doing drugs, hooking up, watching porn, etc. Everything we do is familiar and seemingly safe, and we will do whatever we need to do to protect this ever-shrinking universe.

Ultimately, we are called to adventure. Partners, parents, friends, and even our workplaces indicate that we need to step away from our current lives. just like bilbo Hobbitwe initially resisted. Even obvious consequences—breakdowns in relationships, trouble at work or school, depression, anxiety, physical discomfort, social and emotional isolation, etc.—are not enough to break us out of our escapist behavior. “Treatment? I don’t need it, thank you very much.”

Let’s be honest, how many of us have said this:

• I don’t need help with this.
• I just need to cut back a little bit.
• You are overreacting.
• I’m just going through a rough time.
• I can quit myself.
• I just need a moment to get this under control.

But eventually, like all heroes, we decide to cross the threshold into recovery. This is not without difficulties. We face temptations, challenges, and sometimes life-and-death struggles, but surprisingly, the simple act of crossing the threshold and embarking on the journey leads to radical heart change. We accept help from mentors, we choose to face rather than run away from life’s challenges, we make amends for our mistakes, and we find that as we continue our journey, we become different people. Often, we become some version of our best selves.

So why is this a hero? When we finally embark on the path to sobriety and healing, are we really that great?

Yes, so do we.

Recovery is heroic because the changes we must make not only save our own lives, but also prepare us to save the lives of others struggling with similar issues. Life takes on new meaning for us, just like Bilbo.

First, we recover, then we help others recover, and then we get to see them help more people recover. It is a joyful and fulfilling experience that cannot be matched by any number or kind of addictive behaviors. Over time, we realize that this journey of self-discovery, growth, and service is more valuable than any destination we may ultimately reach. At that point, we truly become adventurers on the Hero’s Journey. This journey defines us and becomes our purpose, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with sex, porn, or substance/sex addiction, Seeking Integrity can help. In addition to residential rehab, we offer low-cost online workgroups for male sex addicts and male porn addicts new to recovery. Click here to learn about our Sex Addiction Task Force. Click here to learn about our Porn Addiction Task Force.