By Katie Aguilar SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – A unique addiction recovery program is available in Syracuse. Refuge Recovery Program is a nonprofit organization that uses Buddhist teachings to help people with different types of addictions.
Refuge Recovery teaches mindfulness and meditation. Noah Levine, the author of the book Refuge Recovery, is recognized as one of the founders. Hannah Mountain, director of the program at the Syracuse location, said their mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
“You won’t be labeled and that that’s how I believe we reduce stigma,” said Mountain. “I don’t think any of us are our addiction. We are human and we have problems. But, most of America is addicted to something.
Mountain said that Refuge Recovery is different from other 12-step addiction programs.
“In a lot of 12-step programs you’re asked if you’re a new person to raise your hand,” said Mountain. “For a lot of people that causes a lot of anxiety… Something we do to keep people safe and comfortable is you won’t be called out during a meeting. The spotlight won’t be on you at all.”
The program believes in four main points. Addiction makes people suffer, the cause of addiction is repetitive urges of unhealthy behaviors, recovery can be achieved and the way to recovery is reachable.
“We talk about co-dependency, we talk about eating disorders,” said Mountain. “We talk about how to forgive, how to let go and how to stay in the present.”
Refuge Recovery Syracuse host their meetings at the Prevention Network office, located at 906 Spencer St.
“I think no matter who you are, you’re going to probably leave the meeting feeling really good,” said Mountain.
