Recovery

Overview of Recovery

Many years of research have been done on drug and alcohol dependence, methods and modes of treatment, and relapse prevention. Up until recently, little research has focused on long-term recovery. Most of the recovery support models existing in the field today are based on experiential knowledge, patterns of belief, and deep-rooted protocol rather than on empirical studies.

Recovery from substance use disorders is generally viewed as a long-term process, although some individuals will speak of themselves as recovered, which implies their disorder is cured. Since substance use disorders are chronic rather than acute conditions for the purposes of this entry, recovery will be considered a process that lasts a lifetime.

One therapist and writer, Craig Nakken, has addressed the various stages of recovery through his many years of work in the addictions field. According to Nakken, early recovery (the first year or so) focuses on learning tolerance and honesty, middle recovery (generally years 2–5) concentrates on understanding and acceptance, and late recovery (more than 5 years) is focused on love of self, family, and the community. Nakken's interpretation of recovery also emphasizes the need for all family members to be in recovery. A common recommendation is for spouses, significant others, and relatives of people with substance use disorders to attend Al-Anon or Alateen meetings. Addiction affects everyone in the family, and it is often beneficial for all parties to seek support or counseling to deal with feelings and issues that arise whether the person using drugs or alcohol is in recovery or continuing to practice his or her addiction.

Recovery is not synonymous with either sobriety or abstinence. Recovery is commonly thought of as a holistic approach to life where an individual not only ceases using drugs and alcohol but also addresses emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual needs. It is a commonly held belief that people who use substances to their detriment often have other issues that when left unexamined or unchanged may lead to relapse.

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