FAQs
What is “unlearning”?
Unlearning is the process of identifying and letting go of the beliefs, behaviors, thought patterns, and assumptions that no longer serve us. Many of the ways we think, react, relate to others, and see ourselves were learned over a lifetime, through our families, relationships, culture, past experiences, and even our own coping strategies. The good news is that what has been learned can also be unlearned. We believe lasting transformation begins by replacing unhealthy patterns with healthier, more truthful ways of living.
Do I have to identify as “being in recovery” to participate?
Not at all. In fact, many of the people who have attended our workshops and book clubs over the years would never describe themselves as “being in recovery.”
While our work is deeply rooted in recovery principles and the wisdom of the Twelve Steps, we’ve found those principles are just as valuable for people navigating anxiety, difficult relationships, family conflict, perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear, resentment, grief, burnout, or simply the challenges of being human.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why do I keep repeating the same patterns?” or “Why is peace so hard to find?” you’ll likely feel right at home.
Are you only for people struggling with addiction?
No. Addiction is one expression of the human struggle, but it isn’t the only one.
Our mission is to help people identify and unlearn the patterns that keep them stuck, whether those patterns show up as substance use, struggles with food, unhealthy relationships, anxiety, anger, shame, perfectionism, control, family cycles, or something else entirely.
Ultimately, our work is about helping people experience greater freedom, healthier relationships, and a more meaningful life.
Are you a treatment program or a religious organization?
No. The Unlearning Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization.
We are not a treatment center, counseling practice, or crisis service, and we are not affiliated with any specific church or denomination. We collaborate with treatment centers, healthcare professionals, and faith communities because we believe lasting transformation often requires a strong support network.
Our content is informed by psychology, neuroscience, recovery principles, and timeless spiritual wisdom, and people from many different backgrounds and beliefs are welcome.
What can I expect at a workshop or event?
Expect honest conversations, practical tools, meaningful reflection, and plenty of laughter.
Our workshops are interactive rather than lecture-based. You’ll hear personal stories, learn concepts grounded in both lived experience and behavioral science, and have opportunities to reflect on your own life in a supportive, judgment-free environment. You are never required to share anything you’re uncomfortable sharing.
Whether you’re attending a workshop, joining our book club, or stopping by a community gathering, our hope is that you’ll leave feeling encouraged, challenged, and better equipped to navigate life with greater freedom and peace.
Why do you believe the Twelve Steps are relevant to everyone?
Because at their core, the Twelve Steps are about growth, honesty, humility, forgiveness, courage, and transformation.
Although they were originally developed to help people recover from alcoholism, we’ve seen firsthand that their principles apply far beyond addiction. They provide a framework for examining our lives, understanding the stories we’ve inherited, breaking unhealthy family patterns, repairing relationships, and becoming more emotionally and spiritually healthy.
We believe everyone has something to unlearn. None of us arrive at adulthood without wounds, habits, fears, or beliefs that shape how we move through the world. The question isn’t whether we’ve learned unhealthy patterns, it’s whether we’re willing to unlearn them.
That’s why we often say: Recovery isn’t just for people overcoming addiction. In many ways, it’s the lifelong process of becoming more fully who we were created to be.