Recovery International

Recovery International Recovery International gives people the tools to lead more peaceful and productive lives using peer Thus evolved the peer-led self-help model we know today.

The mission of Recovery International is to to help individuals gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives. Recovery was founded in 1937 by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Abraham Low and his patients who sought to re-enter society after hospitalization, to talk about their conditions, and to eliminate the stigma of mental illness. The group was originally called “The Association of Nervous and Former Mental Patients.” After one of their members was evicted from his rooming house because he received a letter with the Association’s return address, they decided to change the name to Recovery. The Recovery method wasn’t invented overnight—it was the result of more than 25 years of cognitive behavioral work. As the organization grew, Dr. Low realized that he needed to train others in his methods. Because he knew how overworked and understaffed many psychiatric hospitals were, he also realized the need to develop a consistent approach that could be replicated by nonprofessionals. When Dr. Low died in 1954, his widow, daughters and thousands of former patients ensured that his work continued. As the organization grew and expanded across the country and abroad, the name was changed to Recovery International.

24 Hour Dial-a-SpotListen to Dr. Low's spots to help you manage your symptoms and find calm and peace when you are worke...
02/16/2026

24 Hour Dial-a-Spot

Listen to Dr. Low's spots to help you manage your symptoms and find calm and peace when you are worked up and can't get to a meeting. Dial (312) 448-9387

02/16/2026

Jenna, tell us three words that describe you before and after practicing the Recovery Method.

02/15/2026

One of the earliest peer-based self-help organizations, Recovery International, was founded at the Neuropsychiatric Institute of the University of Illinois Research and Education Hospitals on November 7, 1937, by the late Abraham Low, MD, a professor of neuropsychiatry and pioneer of cognitive behavioral training. Visit https://www.recoveryinternational.org/ to learn more about Recovery International and to find a meeting to join. (Video created by John Seney and Jane Oneail.)

02/14/2026

Recovery International members share their stories of and

02/13/2026

Recovery International member, Howard, shares his testimonials on the Recovery Method.

02/13/2026

02/12/2026

"I found this group nearly 20 years ago, and it is awesome! I have developed life-long friendships with fellow members, and I use the spots to also help non-Recovery International members! I still use the tools on a daily basis."

02/12/2026

Give Your Self-Esteem a Boost!
February is International Boost Your Self-Esteem Month, established to raise awareness about the importance of self-esteem and self-confidence. These can also play a role in improving mental health. This month, engage in activities that contribute to a positive self-image.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remember to endorse for the effort, regardless of the outcome and avoid self-criticism.
Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Join the "Spot Your Progress" RI group for accountability of those goals.
Change Negative Thoughts: Replace those insecure thoughts about yourself or a situation with one of the many RI tools.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and relaxation.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or join an RI meeting or Special Focus meeting.
Learn and Grow: Continuously learn and develop new skills to boost your self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. Join one of the RI special sessions listed above - and look for more opportunities each week.
Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and their abilities.

Outreach EventLisa Garcia and Marian Carbajal in the RI San Diego office, did an introduction to Recovery International ...
02/11/2026

Outreach Event

Lisa Garcia and Marian Carbajal in the RI San Diego office, did an introduction to Recovery International workshop in Spanish at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Parish. The host of the event was Veronica Garcia, who is part of the mental health ministry. (pictured left with Marian)

The Recovery ReporterSpring Issue is UnderwayDeadline to submit: February 23rdIt's hard to believe spring is just around...
02/10/2026

The Recovery Reporter
Spring Issue is Underway
Deadline to submit: February 23rd

It's hard to believe spring is just around the corner. We are seeking your stories of hope, examples and testimonials of how the Recovery Method has helped you for this issue. We also welcome Area and Group meeting news and outreach events (with photos) from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Ireland and India.

Note: If you are submitting group photos, please ensure permission for publishing is given by everyone in the photo. It is the submitter's responsibility to get permission.

Submissions may be edited for length, and we may not be able to use every story due to space constraints, but we want to hear from you! Send via e-mail to: editor@ recoveryinternational.org or mail to the main office in Oak Brook: Recovery International, 1415 W. 22nd St., Tower Floor, Oak Brook, IL, 60523. Thank you!

Address

1415 West 22nd Street #Tower Floor, # Tower
Oak Brook, IL
60523

Telephone

+13123375661

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