ALL CHANGE IS PERSONAL
Substance Use Disorder Recovery
Recovery from substance use disorder is about so much more than quitting a substance. It’s about fundamentally rewiring behaviors, beliefs and support systems to create lasting transformation.
And that’s what makes it a powerful model for organizational change.
Sustained recovery teaches us that real change happens when:
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People have a support system rather than going it alone
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Progress is celebrated, even when it’s imperfect
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Small daily actions lead to long-term transformation
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Accountability and reflection replace shame and punishment
By applying these principles to organizational change, leaders can help employees move beyond resistance and into sustained, meaningful adoption of new ways of working.
A few ways to incorporate Substance Use Disorder Recovery Principles into Change Management:
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Create a culture of accountability, not punishment. People need psychological safety to openly discuss struggles with change without fear of blame.
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Encourage peer support and mentoring. Just like in recovery, having someone who’s been through it can make all the difference.
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Focus on daily progress, not perfection. Reinforce the idea that consistency beats intensity.
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Reframe failure as part of the process. Relapse is a reality in recovery. Normalize challenges as part of growth.
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Use storytelling to inspire transformation. Hearing "what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now" from those who have successfully navigated change helps others believe they can too.
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Build long-term reinforcement, not just one-time training. Recovery isn’t a single event. It’s an ongoing commitment. Sustainable change requires continuous engagement and reinforcement.
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Progress, Not Perfection
Sobriety: A Most Profound Behavior Change
Lessons from addiction recovery include the importance of community, accountability and acceptance.
— OUR CORE BELIEF —