For years, Symon Cope appeared to function while his life narrowed around alcohol. The Descent follows addiction and homelessness, shame, and the difficult recognition that he needed help. Part I comes before next week’s account of rebuilding.

Lauren Flynn found a comedy workshop, changed her surroundings, and began putting down roots. Her personal recovery journey explores the choices that helped her build stability, while making clear that she is sharing her own experience.

Last week, Symon Cope described the descent. Now he shares the six lifelines that helped him begin rebuilding life in recovery, from connection and self-development to learning to face responsibility with greater honesty.