The Recovery Den

01/11/2026

Shame and stigma are major barriers to recovery because they make people afraid to ask for help.

Shame causes individuals to believe something is “wrong” with them. Stigma comes from negative labels, judgment, and misunderstanding about addiction.

Together, they lead to:
-Fear of being judged or rejected
-Delaying or avoiding treatment
-Hiding struggles from family and friends
-Feeling unworthy of help or recovery

This silence can make addiction worse and increase the risk of harm.

When communities reduce stigma:
-More people seek help earlier
-Recovery feels safer and more possible
-Families and neighborhoods become stronger

Compassion, understanding, and support save lives.

01/10/2026

We want to hear from you.

01/09/2026

Heads up!
The Recovery Den closed at 1:00pm today due to inclement weather!

01/09/2026

We take team work very seriously here.

01/09/2026

Think of recovery less like arriving at a finish line and more like learning how to walk a new path.

When people say “recovery is a journey, not a destination,” they mean that healing doesn’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t end with a single moment where everything is suddenly perfect. Whether it’s recovering from addiction, mental health struggles, trauma, or illness, it’s an ongoing process of growth, self-awareness, and adjustment.

Some days feel easier, and others feel hard again. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you’re human. Along the way, you learn what supports you, what triggers you, and how to take care of yourself better than before. Each step, even the small or messy ones, counts.

There isn’t a final “done” point where you stop needing care or reflection. Instead, recovery becomes part of how you live, checking in with yourself, asking for help when you need it, and choosing healthier patterns over time.

So the focus isn’t on reaching a perfect version of yourself. It’s about continuing to move forward, learning as you go, and giving yourself grace along the way.

01/08/2026

The Recovery Den cannot do this work alone. Meeting the needs of the people we serve requires strong community collaboration, and we are grateful for the partnerships that make lifesaving care more accessible. One such partnership is with Recovery Resource Center, whose team utilizes office space within our center to provide walk-in ASAM assessments to our local community.

These state-required assessments are critical in determining the appropriate level of care and are often the first step toward treatment, especially for individuals with no insurance or financial means. By working together, we are removing barriers and ensuring that people can access the care they need, when they need it, right here in Walker County.

We extend our sincere thanks to Recovery Resource Center for their collaboration and commitment to ethical, accessible recovery services. Pictured below are Michael-Ann Green, CRSS, and Stephanie Debter, LMSW, whose work directly supports individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. In addition to their frontline service, both also serve on the Board of Directors for The Recovery Den, helping guide our mission and strengthen our impact.

01/07/2026

Asking for help is a sign of strength.
If you’re ready to take the next step, The Recovery Den is here for you.

Message us here today or call us at (205)961-0307

01/06/2026

The Recovery Den Clothing & Hygiene Closet provides free essentials for those entering inpatient treatment:
👚 Clothing & shoes
🧼 Hygiene packs
🛌 Pillows, blankets & bed linens

Recovery is easier when you have the support you need. 💙
Contact us today for more information! (205)961-0307

01/05/2026

Life Recovery will meet tonight from 6pm-8pm. Join us as we work through the 12-steps using Bible principles. This group is for anyone wanting to break cycles of unwanted behaviors and thrive in their recovery.

01/05/2026

We’re honored to be featured by ABC 33/40 as an Alabama Champion 💜
This spotlight represents our community, our staff, and every person choosing recovery.
Recovery is possible and it’s happening here.

Paige Britton is in the business of changing lives."We've come so far, and to have something like this means everything," Britton said.She founded the Recovery

01/05/2026

We need your help to spread awareness of our services offered right here in Walker County!

01/04/2026

Repeated substance use alters how the brain’s reward, motivation, decision-making, and self-control systems work. These changes can increase cravings, reduce impulse control, and make stopping use extremely difficult.

These are biological changes, similar to how heart disease affects the heart or diabetes affects insulin regulation.

While the first use may be voluntary, SUD involves loss of control over use due to brain changes. Continuing to use despite harm reflects compulsion, not a lack of values or effort.

This distinction matters because calling SUD a character flaw increases stigma and shame, discourages people from seeking help, and leads to punishment instead of treatment

Recognizing it as a medical condition promotes compassion, evidence-based care, and recovery.