Sobriety gave me a life I could build on, but it did not answer every question I had about recovery. Years after I stopped drinking, I realized I was still living under the influence of fear, protection, old beliefs, and survival strategies. This article explores the deeper meaning of recovery: becoming less governed by the past and more available to the authentic self.

Recovery often begins with a desire to stop painful or destructive symptoms. But lasting recovery may require healing what those symptoms have been trying to manage. In this article, Bill Tierney explores addiction, disconnection, authentic Self, and the deeper work of healing through the Internal Family Systems model.