Welcome to Recovery Dharma
Swift River Recovery Dharma is a community-focused website aimed at individuals in recovery from addiction, particularly alumni from Swift River Recovery Center in Cummington, Massachusetts. While many founding members of the group first met during rehabilitation, there is no formal affiliation with Swift River, and membership is open to all seeking recovery from addictive substances and behaviors. The main goals of this website are to share information about our recovery group, including meeting times, related resources, and information to support and sustain the community.
The Recovery Dharma Program
The recovery program is inspired by a moral philosophy of living and behavior that finds its roots in ancient Buddhist teachings. Importantly, it is not connected to later developments of Buddhism as a religion. It easily integrates with and often finds synergies with Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and other well-known recovery programs. The program addresses a variety of human suffering, from substance abuse and process addictions (gambling, sex etc.) to trauma-related suffering.
Our community meets remotely via the Zoom platform once a week on a scheduled basis. Attendees can join freely, from anywhere, even without a Zoom account. Meetings are typically held on Friday evening at 6 PM, and are facilitated by a peer-member chosen by the group.
At Swift River Recovery Dharma, we are committed to providing a peer-to-peer community for individuals in recovery to explore the principles of Dharma and mindfulness. Our community is intended to support and accompany you on a journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, and the hope of ending unnecessary suffering.
Join us for facilitated meditation, basic readings from the Recovery Dharma book, and open discussion designed to deepen your practice with like-minded individuals.
For those of you with more in-depth questions about the program, or who are already experienced participants in Recovery Dharma, there is much more that we do.
Community Stories
Our community members share their transformative experiences at Swift River Recovery Dharma, highlighting the impact of our support groups and the sense of belonging found in our community.
Holly
"My experience through Swift River attending Recovery Dharma was my first step into finding space where I was blessed enough to bear witness to the revelation of self acceptance and enlightenment amongst my peers . Our sangha is just the beginning there are so many more to follow and be healed."
Jim
"I discovered the Dharma group at Swift River during my rehabilitation. I had an interest in ancient Asian art and philosophy before this, but had never really explored Buddhist principles as something that I could actively use in my own life. Combining meditation and group engagement within the Recovery Dharma framework has been nothing less than eye-opening and life-changing."
Michael
I found solace and strength in every interaction at Swift River Recovery Dharma. It's a true sanctuary for those in recovery."
Our Approach
Discover how our community operates and the steps to engage in meaningful conversations and activities with us.
Membership
Join Us
Become a member and participate in our support groups and recovery-focused events. Membership is based on participation alone. There is never any cost. Experience the transformative power of group discussions and mindfulness practices.
Participation
Engage in Meetings
Engage actively in our group meetings, workshops, and community events to deepen your connections and share your experiences with others on a similar path. If you don't feel like speaking, you can opt out at any time. Listening and learning are considered engagement on your terms.
Integration
Embrace the Journey
Integrate the principles and practices into your daily life to cultivate resilience and emotional well-being as part of your recovery journey.
Get in Touch
Have a question or want to learn more? Reach out to us through the form below.
Recovery Dharma Basics
Recovery from addiction is a path in life. If you choose to join us for this part of your journey, here are a few things that will be helpful as you start.
First of all...
There are a lot of key words that are not English!
Dharma (as used in the name of the orginazation) is one of several key "vocabulary words" in our practice. Let's start by explaining what that's all about. Since the foundation of the teaching in our group is based on ancient Buddhist concepts, Dhamra is an Indian word. It means "the teachings of the Buddha" in this context. It can also be interpreted as "the Truth" in other contexts.
Secondly...
What does SANGHA mean, as in Swift Rive SANGHA?
Sangha is the community we share when we are together. It also can apply in the context of other communities depending on where we are.
Fortunately, you will find a Glossary of Words in the book we use for readings, so you will learn them well as you participate in meetings.
Thirdly...
Where does this path start?
Buddhism as we know it today is not one commonly agreed thing, but a lot of different things. To some it is a spiritual path that leads toward religious belief. To some it is path of knowledge and philosophical inquiry leading to wisdom, right-living and self-control. The path of Recovery Dharma can be what you want it to be, but typically recovery from deep suffering is the goal we strive to achieve as members of the songha. In our meetings there is no religious emphasis or guidence offered.
Forthly....
What are meetings like?
Meetings in our songha have a standard format most of the time, with one or more readings from the book, an open disucssion of the reading and a period of meditation. Meetings are led by a faciitator who guides the agenda to completion based on the agreed time limit. There are often informal discussions and greetings (by Zoom chat messages) during or after the meeting. The length of a normal meeting agenda runs to 60 minutes, with informal post meeting conversations of 15 to 20 minutes more.
The Addict's Playbook
Every day in recovery can be a challenge. Here are some powerful strategies and activities that will help you deal with any day, no matter how you feel or what unexpected challenge comes your way. Stay on track and increase your chances of staying sober for another day. One day at a time.
First of all...
How are you feeling as your eyes first open today?
Wow, I haven't felt this good in years!
Surprisingly decent
Meh
Did anyone see that truck?
Where did I put the number for the crisis hotline...
Something amazingly cool just happened
Something much worse happened
You seem to be moving.
Congratulations, you've started your day. It's about to get real.
I've got time on my hands.
I'm headed to my IOP/PHP etc.
Heading to work
Heading for a recovery meeting
I'm calling in sick
I'm going back to bed
Just got a call from an old 'friend' and he wants to get high
I checked my Quik Pik from last night I just won $8 Million!!!
I just realized the Quik Pik was from last week's drawwing.
The morning is over and the afternoon is rolling along.
The next set of hurdles awaits
Best day in a long time
My meeting, IOP/PHP and/or job is boring
I've got nothing to do
I've got a lot to do but I don't feel like doing it
I'm feeling down and sorry for myself
I'm thinking about hitting the packi next time I pass one
My brain is clearly taking a holiday and I don't give a shit
My dealer says he's got some killer shit with my name on it and it sounds too good to pass up
I made it back home
The addicts favorite time to cust loose, and your still an addict, btw
I can't believe how good that day went
It could have worse, time to make some dinner/do chores/watch TV, etc.
I'm pretty stressed but I can deal with it
I've done nothing all day and have nothing to do tonight
Good thing I'm in a sober house
I've gotta try that stuff I picked up. I need to get high