The Hero’s Journey Ends – Part 3 

Welcome to the final article on the Hero’s Journey. In the first article, we covered the first four phases; in the second article, we covered phases five through eight. As we have gotten further down the path, have you been able to recognize part of the journey in your story? It never ceases to amaze me how closely our recovery from addiction follows this same path. Next, we will experience our first reward and start taking the road back. After that, we experience the resurrection, followed by a return with the Elixir to end the journey. Let’s continue.

Phase 9: The Reward (Seizing the Sword)

The Reward phase is typically when the Hero has the first major victory and, in some stories, may give the impression that this victory is the end of the adventure. At this point in the journey, we have overcome many challenges and have earned a reward. For an alcoholic in recovery, this phase is often about the internal shift we experience as we begin to glimpse the rewards of a sober life. Our reward is increased confidence in sobriety and renewed hope for a better life.

In traditional storytelling, the reward might be a literal treasure, a sacred object, or an ultimate realization. For the recovering alcoholic, the reward comes in the form of physical sobriety, emotional clarity, spiritual growth, and the rebuilding of relationships. As we move away from being in the grips of addiction, we begin to see the possibilities of a life where purpose, joy, and connection can flourish.

We have made significant progress but are still not on the steadiest ground. Our journey is ongoing, and we want to protect ourselves from developing resentments, becoming complacent, or isolating ourselves from our allies. The skills and resilience we have developed in recovery can overcome all these forms of self-sabotage.

In short, we start to see a future filled with meaningful goals and opportunities. We understand that putting “the plug in the jug” is not the same as setting ourselves on the growth path to be better people, friends, or family members.

Star Wars: Luke Skywalker’s reward phase occurs at the end of the ordeal on the Death Star to rescue Princess Leia. He has just seen his mentor struck down by Darth Vader and is now fighting his way through Stormtroopers to get back to the spaceship they arrived on. Luke and Han return to the ship with Princess Leia and the plans for the Death Star that will be critical to the Rebel Alliance. As the spaceship departs the Death Star, Luke emerges as a hero, soon to be recognized beyond his close band of allies.

Phase 10: The Road Back

During “The Road Back,” the Hero, having faced and overcome challenges, leaves the world of trials and returns to the ordinary world with new wisdom and confidence. The journey isn’t over for us. In recovery, we make a daily choice, and the road back to “ordinary life” is full of twists and turns. There will be moments of doubt and temptation, but now we have tools, allies, and a sense of purpose.

 In recovery, the road back often occurs after experiencing some initial stability. We may have completed a treatment program, attended regular 12-step meetings, or built the habit of working our program daily. For us, this part of the journey is about rebuilding. We re-enter life, armed with the lessons of recovery, and confront the responsibilities and relationships we once fled. We are showing up as a better version of ourselves. We return not as the person consumed by addiction but as someone committed to growth and healing.

 This phase is about learning to carry the recovery tools into the real world. Skills like setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and maintaining regular connections with a recovery community become essential. As one AA saying goes, “We have to take the program out of the meeting rooms and into our lives.”

 The journey back often presents us with new tests. Returning to work or familial settings may reveal old triggers. Friends who still drink or use substances might challenge boundaries. The recovering alcoholic may even face moments of self-doubt, questioning their ability to stay sober amid the pressures of daily life. Luckily, we no longer need to fight our battles in isolation. We have allies in sponsors, sober friends, and supportive family members who support us.

 Star Wars: At this point, Luke and his allies have escaped the Death Star with Princess Leia and the Death Star plans. They are going to Yavin 4, a jungle-covered moon, where there is a rebel base of operations. The excitement is not quite over as the Empire has put a tracker on their spaceship, and soon, they find themselves in a firefight as they try to make it to Yavin 4. After winning the firefight, the group successfully arrives on Yavin 4. On the moon, the group is greeted as heroes, returning the Princess and delivering the critical plans, bringing new hope to the rebels’ efforts. For Luke, arriving at Yavin 4 represents the road back.

 Phase 11: Resurrection

We have finally reached the Resurrection phase of the Hero’s journey. Every phase of the journey has built up to this life-changing moment. The Hero faces their biggest challenge yet—the moment of truth with potentially grave consequences.

 For someone recovering from alcoholism, this stage is deeply personal, marking a rebirth of identity, purpose, and strength. This phase is where we confront our greatest fears or most formidable foes and prove we have internalized the lessons of our journey. We’ve learned to trust ourselves and ask for help, and that strength isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every time we do.

 The resurrection phase might involve external things like dealing with a financial crisis or the death of a loved one, or it may involve internal things like grappling with severe character defects. We face the most significant challenge we have faced in sobriety, a time that is an actual test of our commitment to a life focused on recovery. But this time, we respond differently.

 This phase represents a monument point of transformation. In recovery, we are transforming both internally and externally. Internally, we experience a new level of confidence and acknowledge our resilience. Externally, we see a change in our relationships and actions.

 The resurrection phase does not signify the end of challenges but the beginning of a new chapter. It’s when we apply all the lessons from our journey in our daily lives. We will face new trials, but with each challenge, we grow stronger, more confident, and more aligned with our authentic selves.

 For the Hero in recovery, the resurrection phase is a testament to our courage and resilience. It’s a moment of profound transformation that reaffirms our commitment to sobriety and sets the stage for a life of purpose and growth. This rebirth is a personal victory and a beacon of hope for others who aspire to undertake their recovery journey.

 Star Wars: We have arrived at the climactic scene in Star Wars: A New Hope! We have learned from the Death Star Plans that its design has a fatal flaw. To destroy the Death Star, it will take a perfect laser shot into a 6.5-foot-wide exhaust vent in a hard-to-reach location. The rebels launch an epic battle to set up the shot. As tension builds, Luke approaches the shot but has Darth Vader and other enemies behind him. Han Solo comes to the rescue at the last minute, taking out his pursuers and opening Luke up to take the shot.

 As Luke bears down on the target, he uses the electronic targeting system in his fighter to line up the shot when he hears Obi-Wan’s voice telling him to use Force instead. Luke abandons the targeting system and fires the perfect shot using the Force. Luke embraces the Force, helps destroy the Death Star, and moves one step closer to becoming a true Jedi. This scene serves as his resurrection phase.

 Phase 12: Return with the Elixir

The final stage of the Hero’s journey has arrived. Returning with the Elixir is what we have worked so hard for. In a story, this completes the journey, but we know in recovery, while it represents one ending, it is also a new beginning to build upon. We have courageously faced each phase’s challenges and have been victorious.

 The Elixir is a renewed sense of purpose, wisdom to share with the fellowship, and the connections we have built through our journey. We have made discoveries and healing on the path, but we now have knowledge and experience to share for the greater good.

 Sharing our knowledge comes in the form of working on the 12th step. This work comes in many forms, including but not limited to sharing at meetings, living as an example of what is possible, and becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship is a mighty act as we potentially become the mentor in another hero’s journey. Not only have we completed our Hero’s journey, but now we get to take part in others’ journeys personally.

 One caveat to all the joy and celebration from returning with the Elixir is that the return home isn’t always smooth. We often face resistance or struggle to integrate our newfound wisdom into a world that may not understand or fully appreciate our transformation. For the recovering alcoholic, we may still face skepticism from others who we have let down time and time again over many years. Trust is fragile and must be brought back into existence through our actions.

 The “Return with the Elixir” phase is more than passing through a phase. We now see that growth and healing are part of a cycle. We often discover that our journey doesn’t end with personal sobriety; it continues as we pass on the gifts we’ve received. An act of service, a story shared, and a connection formed strengthens the recovery community and reinforces our commitment to a new way of life.

 Star Wars: Luke returns to the rebel base, having clinched a crucial victory for the Rebellion. He becomes a hero and receives recognition in a grand ceremony alongside his closest allies, where they are awarded medals and celebrated.

 For Luke, the Elixir is his newfound confidence in the Force and commitment to the Jedi path. He learns that, with all his experience, he can contribute to the greater good and has developed a renewed drive to fight against the evil Empire.

 Luke and his allies bring safety and security to the Rebellion and hope, thus the film’s title, “A New Hope.”

 Conclusion: You Are the Hero

Addiction is a powerful force that destroys. It destroys people, relationships, and communities. The disease is relentless as it waits for a vulnerable moment to retake its power. When we enter recovery, it is not a small commitment. It is so overwhelming that we must commit one day at a time to remain grounded and focused on our goal.

 We know there is a way to build a better life if we want it. We face challenges that would break most people and have broken many. Not all of us recover, and untold numbers have died in active addiction. It can be challenging for those who do not have an addiction to understand the strength and courage it takes to live one day at a time, striving to become a better person.

 Through this journey, you’ve found strength you didn’t know you had, and every step you take in recovery is a nod to your courage. If you’re on the road to recovery, remember that you are the Hero of your story, and your best chapters are still ahead.

Resources:

 Wikipedia entry for The Hero’s Journey

 The Hero’s Journey – The Joseph Campbell Foundation