Justice as Recovery of What Was Stolen

Sor Juana's writings on justice centered on restoring what was wrongly taken and demanding recognition of one's inherent worth. Applied to addiction recovery, this frames the recovery journey as an act of justice against the theft addiction perpetrated: stolen time, broken relationships, unrealized potential, diminished self-worth. This concept reframes recovery not as personal redemption alone but as justice work—reclaiming rights to your own life, mind, and future. It acknowledges legitimate anger about what was lost and channels that into purposeful action. Justice in recovery also means holding accountable the systems, relationships, and circumstances that enabled addiction while refusing victim identity. By viewing recovery through a justice lens, the recovering person positions themselves as someone with claims and rights, someone whose stolen goods (time, health, dignity) deserve restoration. This empowering framework counters shame with righteous assertion of what was wrongfully taken.