Alchemy is a process of transformation. Historically, it was the precursor to chemistry. The alchemical process involves the desire to turn ordinary metals into gold using a series of distillations. It’s a magical process of transmutation and transformation, one that requires many stages. During the literal alchemical process, substances change forms and colors many times before they reach their final state. We can use this medieval term to help us understand our own recovery processes. Recovery is a certain kind of alchemy, one that requires us to transform ourselves and grow.
The alchemy of recovery involves recognizing and accepting yourself and your addiction and making changes to your lifestyle, mindset, and environment. We are required to give up certain things in order to transform ourselves into gold, or, in order to truly benefit from the alchemical process of change. While our spirits are still the same, our forms change. We release old habits, thinking patterns, and friends. We distill ourselves down to our vital essences and discover our core values. It’s not easy and the process is ongoing. The ultimate goal of alchemy is enlightenment or a higher state of consciousness. When we accept the process of recovery and move through its many phases, our minds expand and we begin to enter a higher state of awareness.
Alchemy, like recovery, is transformative, rejuvenating, difficult, enlightening, and endlessly rewarding. The alchemy of recovery revolves around the idea that we all have gold inside of us and through rigorous self-transformation practices, we can find it and use it for the greater good.
How to Use Alchemy Practically in Your Recovery
Alchemy can be an abstract concept. Here are a few questions to ask yourself in order to use alchemy in your recovery process:
- How have I transformed?
- How have I stayed the same?
What is my essence? - What do I consider to be my “gold”?
- What can I let go of that is no longer serving me?
The alchemy of recovery is all about healing yourself through the realization of perpetual growth through transformation.
Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon uses cutting-edge techniques in individualized programs to help men achieve freedom from addiction. Taking a holistic, sustainable approach to the inner and outer effects of addiction ensures you or your loved one will emerge with the confidence and skills to manage your addiction independently. No one is beyond help- our Admissions Counselors are available 24/7 at (503) 850-2474
