Embracing a Positive Path: Life, Hope, and Healing with OneEighty’s OASIS Recovery Club

At OneEighty’s OASIS Recovery Club, the message is clear: recovery is not only possible – it can be joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling. Over the past 15 years and beyond, the community at OASIS has helped countless individuals find stability and strength on the path to sobriety. But what is it that makes this recovery community so impactful? The answer, in large part, is positivity.

The benefits of positive thinking in recovery – and life – go far beyond fleeting optimism. Research shows that cultivating a positive mindset can reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and even extend your lifespan. According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can lead to lower rates of depression and distress, greater resistance to illness, better coping skills during hardship, and overall improved psychological well-being.

At OneEighty, we’ve seen firsthand how the advantages of a positive attitude can transform lives. To explore this idea further, we recently conducted a community survey with participants at the OASIS Recovery Club, asking them to share their thoughts and experiences. Their responses offer a moving glimpse into how being positive supports recovery and why community matters more than ever.

What Does Success in Recovery Look Like?

While everyone’s recovery journey is personal, participants agreed on several key indicators of success:

• Staying sober long-term
• Rebuilding relationships
• Gaining independence through housing and work
• Discovering a sense of purpose
• Building a recovery community

These themes point to more than just abstaining from substance use; they reflect a life being lived with intention, connection, and positivity. One participant summed it up by saying, “With treatment, I have found a life. I’m not a slave to alcohol, drugs, and confining myself from society.”

The Role of Community and Connection

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), social connection is a crucial element in maintaining mental health. In fact, positive social relationships are associated with a 50% increased chance of longevity.

This sentiment echoed throughout our survey responses. One OASIS participant noted, “The opposite of addiction is connection. You need a recovery community – no matter what that looks like.”

At OASIS, that community is built through:

• Peer support and accountability
• Sober social activities like speaker jams, cookouts, and creative events
• Access to essential resources, from job help to hygiene products
• A welcoming, judgment-free space to share stories and support

Another member shared, “Community is solid. Most people who are a part of the recovery community are interested in helping others. It is the foundation that helps others find their path.”

Rediscovering Joy and Fulfillment

A major advantage of a positive attitude in recovery is the return of joy, often in unexpected places. OASIS members reported finding fulfillment in:

• Volunteering and giving back
• Art and creativity
• Fitness and wellness
• Leading or attending recovery meetings
• Just having fun again – without substances

One person said it best: “Things will materialize in time. We have fun in recovery doing things like campouts, cookouts, and speaker jams. We do all the things normal people do for fun – we just don’t use substances to have a good time.”

These simple, positive experiences reinforce the idea that recovery doesn’t mark the end of life – it’s a new beginning.

Encouragement for Those Who Feel Hopeless

For those early in their journey, or anyone who feels there’s no life after treatment, the OASIS community offers hope:

• “Life begins more beautifully after treatment.”
• “Some days may be better than others, but using resources like meetings, sponsors, counseling, and the Recovery Club can help in times of need.”
• “You can acquire solid and sincere relationships where people aren’t out to see what they can get from you.”

Positivity in Action: Why This Work Matters

Every day at OASIS brings new reminders of why this work is so important. Whether it’s someone celebrating a sobriety milestone, offering a shoulder to lean on, or simply being present for someone else’s moment of need, positivity is woven into the fabric of the club.

One volunteer reflected, “I’ve had the privilege to share my story and hear others’ stories; I can say I love myself for who I am. I’ve learned to accept who I am and learn skills from others in a safe place that doesn’t carry judgment.”

Another added, “When people come in OASIS and ask me how long I’ve been clean, I say four years. And I remind them – I didn’t do this in one try.”

Take the First Step Towards a Brighter Tomorrow

At OneEighty, we believe in the power of hope, healing, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that the benefits of positive thinking and the advantages of a positive attitude are not just abstract concepts – they are attainable realities. Our OASIS Recovery Club is a testament to this, offering a welcoming space where individuals can connect, grow, and discover a life beyond their wildest dreams.

Ready to start your journey towards a more positive and fulfilling life?

OneEighty offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Individualized counseling and therapy: Our experienced professionals provide personalized support to address mental health challenges and addiction.
• Residential and outpatient treatment programs: We offer a continuum of care tailored to individual needs.
• Community education and prevention programs: We are committed to raising awareness and promoting mental wellness in our community.
• The OASIS Recovery Club: A vibrant, peer-led community offering a safe space for connection, support, and sober social activities.

Contact OneEighty today to learn more about how we can support your journey towards recovery and well-being. Your positive future awaits.