RRP 15: True Colors of Recovery: Finding Your Tribe in the LGBTQ+ Community with Chris G

"It really takes a village to recover and having somebody that really understands what your goals are and checks in with you and helps you meet them is we find to be particularly supportive and leads to good outcomes in people's personal recovery." - Chris G

Celebrating True Colors Recovery & June Pride Month on the Real Recovery Podcast

Links:

• TRUE COLORS RECOVERY
• Fora Health Treatment & Recovery - Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment
• Recovery Crisis Line: 503-223-8569 (Available 24/7)

In today's Episode 15, we are thrilled to bring you an enlightening and heartfelt discussion from True Colors Recovery. As June is Pride Month, this episode holds special significance as we celebrate the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted by Peter and Julie, this episode features Chris G. from True Colors Recovery, who shares his inspiring journey and the incredible support this organization provides to individuals in recovery.

The Journey to True Colors Recovery
​Chris G. opens up about his path to sobriety, starting from his struggle with addiction and numerous attempts at rehabilitation. His story reflects perseverance and the power of finding the right support system. After many residential programs, PHP, IOP, and various therapies, Chris finally found stability at Fora Health in Southeast Portland in late 2022. His journey took a positive turn when he connected with True Colors Recovery, an organization he had heard of but never engaged with deeply until last year.

​The Role of Peer Mentorship
One of the highlights of True Colors Recovery is its peer mentorship program. Chris describes his role as a Recovery Support Service Coordinator (RSSC) and how he transitioned into this position. True Colors Recovery offers a structured peer mentorship program where experienced individuals support newcomers in their recovery journey. This mentorship provides stability and helps individuals navigate various challenges, from finding safe housing to accessing healthcare and maintaining food security.

​Diverse Meetings and Community Support
True Colors Recovery stands out for its wide range of support meetings tailored to different needs. Chris talks about the numerous meetings held weekly, including traditional 12-step meetings like AA and NA, as well as non-12-step programs like Recovery Dharma, which is based on Buddhist principles. The organization also offers harm reduction meetings, such as Rewrite Recovery, which focus on reducing adverse consequences and promoting intentional use.

Creating a Safe and Vibrant Space
Beyond meetings, True Colors Recovery fosters a vibrant community through various events and activities. Chris emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to socialize and support each other. From drag shows and dance parties to open mic nights and sober somatics workshops, True Colors provides numerous opportunities for community members to connect and have fun in a sober 

Pride Month Celebrations
As part of Pride Month,  True Colors Recovery  has planned several exciting events. Chris highlights the upcoming "Spill the Tea Dance" hosted by the Glam Lot, a sober drag troupe, and a special "Freedom from Bondage Drag Show." These events not only celebrate Pride but also reinforce the importance of community and connection in the recovery journey.

​Finding Your Tribe
A recurring theme in this episode is the importance of finding your tribe. Peter and Julie, along with Chris, discuss how recovery can feel daunting without the right support system. True Colors Recovery helps individuals find their place within the community, offering a sense of belonging and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with others who understand their struggles.

Conclusion
Episode 15 of the Real Recovery Podcast is a celebration of recovery, community, and pride. It highlights the transformative impact of True Colors Recovery on the lives of its members and underscores the importance of support, connection, and acceptance in the journey to sobriety. Whether you're new to recovery or have been on this path for a while, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Stay connected with us on social media, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and inspiring stories from the Real Recovery community. Together, we can make recovery accessible and inclusive for everyone.

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Coming up next Friday 6/14...

Prepare to be moved by the incredible journey of Jonah A. in episode 16 of the Real Recovery Podcast. Jonah shares his raw and emotional story, from battling addiction and surviving homelessness to finding hope and purpose. Hear about the pivotal moment when Jonah, in a state of psychosis, walked into an emergency room and began his path to recovery. Discover how his unwavering commitment to service, even during the harshest of storms, helped him stay sober and make a difference in the lives of others. Jonah's tale of attending meetings, working with a sponsor, and finding joy in daily routines will inspire and uplift. Don't miss this powerful episode that showcases the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Tune in for a heartfelt narrative filled with courage, gratitude, and the transformative power of recovery, coming up next Friday, 6/14.

Show Notes:

​Title: True Colors of Recovery: Finding Your Tribe in the LGBTQ+ Community with Chris G
Presenters:

• Julie P: Co-host
• Peter B: Co-host
• Chris G: Guest from True Colors Recovery

Length: 31 minutes
Key Points:

1. Introduction to True Colors Recovery:
   • True Colors Recovery provides support to the LGBTQ+ community through peer mentorship programs and engaging events.
   • The organization offers a safe and vibrant space for recovery.
2. Chris G's Journey:
   • Chris G shares his personal recovery journey, including his experiences with various treatment programs and how he found his place at True Colors.
   • He discusses his role as a Recovery Support Service Coordinator (RSSC) and his path to becoming a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM).
3. True Colors Recovery Services:
   • Peer mentorship programs that help individuals with various aspects of recovery, including finding housing, healthcare, and employment support.
   • Over 20 different recovery meetings per week, including AA, NA, Marijuana Anonymous, Pagan 12-step recovery, Recovery Dharma, and harm reduction meetings.
4. Community and Events:
   • True Colors hosts various events such as drag shows, dances, and tea dances to foster community and connection.
   • The importance of finding a supportive community or "tribe" in the recovery process.
5. Dual Diagnosis and Meditation Meetings:
   • True Colors offers a dual diagnosis meeting for individuals dealing with both addiction and mental health issues.
   • They also host a meditation meeting called 1111, which is based on the 11th step of AA (prayer and meditation).
6. Accessibility and Support:
   • True Colors aims to make recovery more accessible through various programs and services.
   • The organization provides a supportive environment where individuals can feel safe and understood.

Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, hosts Emily, Julie, and Peter are joined by Chris G from True Colors Recovery. Chris shares his inspiring journey to sobriety and his role at True Colors, a recovery center dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion highlights the various services offered by True Colors, including peer mentorship, a wide range of recovery meetings, and community events. Chris emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and how True Colors helps individuals navigate their recovery journey. The episode also touches on the significance of dual diagnosis meetings and meditation in the recovery process.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of community and connection in recovery. True Colors Recovery provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to find their path to sobriety. The hosts encourage listeners to reach out to True Colors for support and to explore the various resources available to aid in their recovery journey. For more information, listeners are directed to visit the True Colors website or contact their front desk for assistance.
Additional Resources:

• True Colors Recovery Website: True Colors Recovery
• Recovery Crisis Line: 503-223-8569 (Available 24/7)
• Fora Health Treatment & Recovery - Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment
• Real Recovery Podcast Website: REAL RECOVERY PODCAST INC.

Listeners are encouraged to explore these resources and seek support as needed.