The Hero’s Journey and Addiction Recovery Part III
The story of addiction, and especially treatment and recovery is a well- known narrative, echoed through the great myths and legends passed down through the ages. Joseph Campbell himself noted that despite some variation, these stories of old shared a common structure: the hero answering the call), the struggle toward the goal, and his return, a transformed man. In these too, we see the three acts in the heroic journey echo the metamorphoses of addiction and recovery.
According to Campbell, it is this third stage- the return home- that is the most difficult for the hero. It is here that they seek to return to the ordinary world, to the community that was left behind, reconciling and finding healing amongst familiar faces. The journey is not complete until the hero offers up as an act of service of the newfound knowledge he has received, where many before him have failed.
We tune in before that, as he attains the goal of his quest, treasure in tow, looking homeward:
Step 9: Ultimate Treasure
After trudging through the far reaches of inner caves of doubt and despair, the hero emerges victorious. According to legend, no matter if the reward is monetary, physical, romantic or spiritual, the hero has been transformed, often undergoing his own personal transformation as well.
The narrative of recovery certainly echoes those themes, as the great treasure is often an internal transformation as well, coupled with peace or a sense of confidence that the old ways have been banished, and new insights are here to stay.
Step 10: Homeward Bound
However, the adventure is far from over. Despite the temptation to remain in the special world, in debt for the hero it forged, the ordinary world beckons. In preparing for the journey ahead, unresolved issues may arise, as will villains, roadblocks and the hero’s own inner demons.
Similarly, leaving treatment is not the end of the story for anyone struggling with addiction. What lies ahead includes facing the mistakes of the past, compiling a moral inventory, and preparing for the weaknesses that have the potential to rise up later along the way. More importantly perhaps, is having a plan in place to protect the valued treasure, to protect their recovery, and honor what they had to overcome in order to do so.
Step 11: Rebirth
As a final farewell, there’s often one more unsuspected, unforeseen ordeal. Perhaps even more difficult than the moment of despair, the final threshold provides one last test to solidify the transformation of the hero, to test their commitment. These tests seek to find whether the hero truly learned the lessons of the ordeal.
In this way, whether it is an encounter with a parent, spouse, or child, or exposure to other triggers, our hero may put their learning to good use. Rebirth comes as they are tested yet remain steadfast in their commitment to their new way of being.
Step 12: The Champion’s Return
Finally, returning to their home, the hero is no longer the same person as when they started out. Their experience of reality is different, a result of the growth and maturity forged by the trials and depths of the journey. Returning with the prize, he is newly comfortable in his own skin, capable of handling any demands and challenges as they arise.
The great prize of the therapeutic journey can be offered to the community through seeking amends, by carrying a message of hope to others, and by modeling the lessons learned along the way.
Those who have found success in recovery reach a stage in which they no longer look upon their struggle with addiction as a curse, but rather as a gift that has delivered them from the darkness of the ordinary world into the light of hope for a better tomorrow.
What is the great treasure that demanded your all? What have you brought home with you? What have you learned on your recovery journey, and how have you shared it with your community?
