It seems that recently, several of the Realm’s policies have come into question, and the actions of the monitors enforcing those policies have been questioned as well.

Recovery Realm is proud to provide a safe haven for those in recovery.  We have carefully considered the rules we have in place for use of the site, long before the site was even in existence.  The rules in place came about through our experience at other sites where rules were not in place or not enforced.

Our monitors are volunteers, dedicated to protecting the site and its members from those who may prey on them.  These dedicated volunteers must sometimes make a difficult choice between caring for an individual and caring for the welfare of the site, just as we sometimes have to make decisions about what is best for an individual or our 12-step group. 

All of the rules and safety for Recovery Realm are spelled out thoroughly on our main page under Frequently Asked Questions – Rules and Regulations, and Safety.  Additionally, there is a Terms of Use Agreement that members accept when they join the site.  We suggest you review these documents if you have any questions.

There are also some simple, common-sense rules that are in place:

1.       Usernames – we ask that each member consistently use the same username each time they log into the Realm.  This site depends upon the trust among its members.  It is difficult, if not impossible to trust someone who changes usernames several times.  Our experience has shown that the primary reason for changing one’s username is to create trouble, and to make oneself anonymous – the problem is, the monitors will know who the person is by their IP address, and yes, we do keep records.

2.      Drug talk – This is a RECOVERY site, not a drug use site.  We do not wish to encourage those who want to discuss how much, how often, and how they use/used drugs, alcohol, other substances or other addictions.  This kind of talk can create cravings in some recovering addicts, and is not in keeping with the purpose of this site.  If someone needs to express these things, it can be done in private conversation (pc).

3.      Response to a monitor – It is only common sense that if a monitor contacts you in private conversation (pc) regarding your behavior, they are entitled to a response.  A lack of response from you sends the message that you are not interested in changing your behavior, consequently, the monitor must assume that you are not interested in abiding by the rules and will take appropriate action.

IF, AT ANY TIME, YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE RULES OR THE ACTIONS OF A MONITOR, EMAIL RECOVERY REALM AT RECOVERYREALM@YAHOO.COM, AND YOUR CONCERNS WILL BE ADDRESSED. 

Remember, this is YOUR site, too – you chose to become a member here because of something we provide that other sites didn’t.  We simply ask that you treat the site and all of its members with respect, particularly those who are charged with protecting your safety.