Know It
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you picked up the magazine in a waiting room, found us online, or heard about Journey from someone you trust: welcome. Here are some of the questions we hear most.
About Journey Magazine
What is Journey Magazine?
Journey is a free quarterly magazine about recovery from substance use disorder. We publish stories from real people, plain-language guides to understanding recovery, and listings for free support across Maine and New Hampshire.
The magazine is available in print and online. You can read every issue at our archive.
Where can I find a copy?
Journey is distributed to hundreds of community locations across Maine and New Hampshire. You can find it in libraries, barbershops, laundromats, waiting rooms, diners, community centers, and other places people already go.
Every issue is also available to read online, free, in our archive. You can also find us in Maine.
Does it cost anything?
No. Journey Magazine, the Recovery Basics Course, and the Recovery Directory are all free. No login, no subscription, no personal information required. That will not change.
Who writes the stories in the magazine?
People in recovery, family members, community members, and contributors who care about making recovery visible. Every story is told with the full knowledge and consent of the person sharing it. Journey does not have affiliations with any treatment center or recovery program.
About Recovery
What does “recovery” mean?
Recovery means a person is living their life after, or alongside, substance use disorder. It looks different for everyone. For some people it involves a program or a group. For others it starts with a conversation, a medication, or a quiet decision made on a hard day.
There are an estimated 28 million people in recovery in the United States. Most of them are already part of everyday life: working, parenting, volunteering, showing up.
Is there only one way to recover?
No. Recovery takes many forms. Some people find their path through 12-step programs. Others through medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), SMART Recovery, peer support, faith-based communities, or on their own. Some combine more than one approach. All of these paths are valid.
Journey does not recommend one path over another. We believe every person gets to decide what fits their life.
What is the Recovery Basics Course?
Recovery Basics is a free, 45-minute online course that covers what addiction is, how recovery works, the different paths people take, and where to find free support. It was built with subject matter experts from across the country.
No login is required. No personal information is collected. You can take it privately, at your own pace, on the Recovery Basics page.
Finding Support
How do I find help near me?
The Journey Recovery Directory lists free recovery support across Maine and New Hampshire. You can search by state or by type of support, including mutual aid, recovery centers, hotlines, and housing.
No login or personal information is needed to use it.
What if I am looking for someone I care about, not myself?
That is one of the most common reasons people find Journey. Families, coworkers, and friends often want to understand recovery better before they know exactly what to say or do.
The Recovery Basics Course is a good starting point. It covers how recovery works, the different paths available, and what support looks like. The Recovery Directory can help you find local resources. Both are free and private.
Is my information private?
Yes. Journey’s website, Recovery Basics Course, and Recovery Directory do not track you, collect personal data, or require any login. There are no ads on our digital properties. We designed it this way on purpose. You should be able to explore recovery information without anyone knowing you did. Read more on our privacy page.
Getting Involved
Can I share my story?
Yes. Journey publishes personal stories from people in recovery and their families. Every story goes through a privacy review, and nothing is published without full consent. If you are interested, visit share your story or reach out to carolyn@journey-magazine.com.
How do I get the magazine in my workplace or community space?
If you would like Journey available in your break room, waiting room, lobby, library, or any community space, contact us at carolyn@journey-magazine.com. Distribution is free. The magazine is designed to sit in places people already go, so recovery is visible before anyone has to ask for it.