At Silver Maple Recovery, compassionate care and clinical excellence go hand in hand. But what does that really look like behind the scenes—and what should people know before they reach out for help?
In this interview, Shannon Kuhn, President and CEO of Silver Maple Recovery, talks honestly about recovery, relapse, and what it takes to create a treatment environment that feels safe, supportive, and real. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, Shannon offers a grounded, hopeful perspective on what recovery can truly mean—and how Silver Maple meets people exactly where they are.
Q: Let’s start with the word “recovery” and talk about Silver Maple. What’s something you and your team wish clients understood about recovery before they walk through your doors?
A: Recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s full of ups and downs, and that’s okay. What matters most is showing up and not giving up. We wish more people knew how strong you have to be to even start the process. Recovery is a lifelong journey. It doesn’t happen in 30 days and then it’s over. But it can lead to great possibilities if they stick with it.
Q: Absolutely. You mentioned the 30-day timeframe. Can you describe some of the services Silver Maple offers?
A: We offer a 30-day inpatient program, as well as detox services. After inpatient stays we also offer outpatient services such as IOP and PHP. We also have sober living as an option for when the inpatient program is completed. Our programs are available to both men and women.
Q: Of course, recovery isn’t instant, but expectations can run high. What are some smaller signs of progress clients can look for along the way?
A: It can be as simple as daily routines. Maybe at home, they were sleeping all day, skipping meals, or not keeping up with hygiene. Progress might mean waking up at a regular time, eating more consistently. We often see people gain weight just from eating regularly again. Mentally and emotionally, it’s noticing emotions and using the tools they’re learning instead of turning to substances. Feeling proud of resisting temptation. Every sober day matters, and being proud of that progress is important.
Q: That makes sense. It calls to mind the idea of stacking days. Is literally counting days important, or is that a distraction?
A: It depends on the person. For many, it’s important. It builds accountability—sharing your day count with a sponsor or in a meeting reinforces commitment. It can motivate both themselves and others. Whether it’s one day, seven days, or ten years—every milestone matters. No one’s going to say “only seven days”—they’ll say “that’s amazing.” Every sober hour counts.
Q: I wanted to dispel a misconception—the idea that someone has to hit “rock bottom” before calling an organization like yours. Can you speak to that?
A: There’s no single definition of “rock bottom.” It doesn’t have to be jail or a major loss. It could be something like noticing substance use is affecting your mood, relationships, or health. Seeking help is valid at any point. Rehab shouldn’t be seen as a last resort. It’s a place to learn and grow, not just a reaction to crisis.
Q: There’s a quote that I think applies here: “Something bad didn’t happen every time I drank, but every time something bad happened, I was drinking.” That resonates, right?
A: Absolutely. People think they need to prove how bad it got before seeking treatment, but choosing to go before things spiral shows strength and self-awareness.
Q: We’re mostly talking about substance use, but how does that intersect with anxiety and depression? Is that something Silver Maple addresses?
A: Absolutely. Mental illness and substance abuse are often linked. Sometimes people use substances as self-medication. Alcohol, for example, is a depressant, and long-term use can worsen depression. Or stimulants can heighten anxiety or lead to paranoia. There’s a cycle: anxiety or depression leads to substance use, which temporarily relieves symptoms, but worsens mental health over time. Then there is perhaps more of a reliance on substances. It’s very common in our program, so we focus heavily on mental health. We have psychiatric nurse practitioners, NPs, who come in weekly—some specialize in SUD, others in mental health—so we’re treating both sides of the issue at once.
Q: I wanted to ask about the role of social media. Obviously it can go both ways, but there’s been a rise in sober influencers, recovery communities on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit. Do you see that as a net positive?
A: I do. It reduces stigma. When sober people talk openly, it normalizes recovery and shows that addiction isn’t a moral failure. Seeing people who look and sound like you makes recovery feel more possible. Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it could be anyone. Social media can also provide community and support, especially for people who feel isolated. It gives access to inspiration and resources—even anonymously. Whether someone is celebrating one hour or ten years, it shows that recovery is possible at any stage, any age. I think the positive far outweighs the negative.
Q: I’ve seen people use Instagram pages or Reddit threads almost like digital sponsors—at a wedding, for example, scrolling through recovery content just to get through the moment.
A: Yes, absolutely.
Q: Shifting back to Silver Maple, let’s touch on relapse. Of course, it’s not inevitable, but it does happen. How does your team respond when someone returns after a relapse?
A: Relapse is common and not a failure. We work to prevent it, but we know it happens. If someone returns after a relapse, we welcome them without judgment. It’s a supportive environment—no blame. We adjust the recovery plan because something didn’t work the first time. Maybe they lacked community or family support. Maybe they need more skill building or education. Whatever it is, we reassess and adjust to help them succeed.
Q: Great. One last question to close things out: What gives you hope as you look ahead to 2026 and beyond?
A: Seeing clients’ resilience and growth gives me hope. Every small win shows that change is possible. Staying sober one more day, reconnecting with family, taking ownership of their recovery—those are signs that what we’re doing works. We’re not just treating numbers, we’re treating people. When someone reconnects with their children, their parents, or themselves—that’s what matters. Recovery proves people can rebuild their lives, and the culture we create at Silver Maple can truly empower transformation.
