Moving Beyond “Abstinence”
Breaking Through Recovery Plateaus
Abstinence is the first part of recovery, a powerful decision that brings clearer mornings, stronger relationships, and the relief of leaving a crisis behind. But as time goes on, many people discover that simply not drinking or using isn’t enough. The early excitement fades, progress feels stalled, and you may find yourself wondering: “Is this all there is?”
This is what’s known as a recovery plateau. It’s not failure. It’s a signal that you’re ready to grow in new ways and strengthen your commitment to recovery maintenance.
Signs You Might Be in a Recovery Plateau
Feeling restless, irritable, or unmotivated
A sense of disconnection from friends, family, or community
Struggling to find joy or purpose in daily life
Resentment toward people or situations
Avoiding deeper emotional work or self-reflection
If these resonate, you’re not alone. Sobriety is the foundation, but recovery is about more than just not using. It’s about creating a meaningful, connected, and balanced life.
Moving Beyond the Plateau
Breaking through stagnation requires more than simply holding on to sobriety. It means investing in your emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Some powerful ways to move forward include:
Re-engaging with therapy or peer support to strengthen your connections
Building new coping strategies for stress and everyday challenges
Exploring unhelpful thought patterns and shifting your mindset
Setting meaningful goals that inspire and motivate
Creating a daily rhythm of recovery maintenance that feels rich and rewarding, not just manageable
The Recovery Reboot Workshop
That’s exactly why we created the Recovery Reboot Workshop at EPIC Recovery. This two-part program is designed for people who have been sober for a while but feel stuck, uninspired, or disconnected.
Led by Dean Anderson, one of Canada’s most sought-after addiction counsellors, host of the RogersTV show Stirring Strength, and founder of the country’s first Recovery Maintenance Centre—this workshop gives you dedicated access to strategies, tools, and support that many wait months to experience one-on-one.
Over two dynamic Saturday sessions (six hours total), you’ll:
Explore what’s beneath the surface of sobriety and uncover hidden patterns
Learn practical, actionable tools to reignite joy, purpose, and growth
Engage in interactive discussions and guided exercises
Receive an EPIC Daily Awareness Journal and guided worksheets
Gain exclusive access to Recovery Toolbox videos not available to the public
You’ll leave with renewed direction, a personalized plan for the next stage of your recovery, and the encouragement to move from just getting by to truly living.
Is Recovery Reboot Right for You?
This workshop may be a fit if you:
Have been sober but may feel emotionally stuck or unfulfilled
Are ready to strengthen your long-term recovery maintenance
Want to break old patterns and step into a richer, more connected life
Recovery is about more than staying sober. It’s about creating a life worth living. Recovery Reboot is your chance to rediscover what’s possible.
✨ Two Saturdays. Six hours. A renewed you.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. If you are in crisis or need immediate assistance, please reach out to a professional or crisis service in your area or visit epicrecovery.ca/crisis.