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 on our magazine page.
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 free to read online. See all issues → or see where to find Journey in Maine →
Does it cost anything?
No. Journey Magazine, the Recovery Basics Course, and the Recovery Directory are free to use. No login and no personal information are required. Print delivery to your home is available as an option, and the magazine is always free to read online.
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. Partners and advertisers help keep Journey free, but they don’t decide what we publish, and sponsored content is always labeled.
How is Journey funded?
Journey is independently published and supported by partners, advertisers, and print subscriptions. That support keeps the magazine free to readers. Partners don’t decide what we publish. Learn about partnership →
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 treatment program, 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, SMART Recovery, peer support, or faith communities. Others find it through treatment, which may include medication, or on their own. Many combine approaches. Journey doesn’t recommend one path over another; every person gets to decide what fits their life.
What is the Recovery Basics Course?
Recovery Basics is a free online course, about 40 minutes long, that covers what addiction is, how recovery works, the different paths people take, and where to find free support. It was built with Addiction Policy Forum and the Recovery Research Institute. No login is required, and 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, New Hampshire, the Northeast, and online. You can search by name or filter by type of support and location. No login or personal information is needed.
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 don’t require a login, and we only collect what you choose to give us, like an email address for the newsletter. Sponsorships on the site are labeled, and we don’t use ad networks that follow you around the web. 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?
Community locations such as libraries, waiting rooms, and recovery centers can receive Journey free through our distribution network. Contact carolyn@journey-magazine.com. If you’d like copies shipped for your own team or event, bulk orders are available.
Can Journey come to our event?
Yes. Showing up in person is a big part of what we do, with more than 500 community and workplace events since 2019. Contact carolyn@journey-magazine.com to talk about yours.