After you’ve stopped using drugs and alcohol, are you automatically in recovery? Many people believe that’s not necessarily the case. For example, someone who quits using alcohol may still exhibit addictive tendencies and might be considered a “dry drunk.” They aren’t drinking, but they’re not in recovery, either. So how, exactly do you know when you’re in recovery?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has now come up with an official definition for the term “recovery.” It’s as follows:
Recovery from Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Lots of addicts and alcoholics think the definition is an excellent, accurate way to sum up recovery. They wholeheartedly agree that recovery is a process rather than something that can be fully achieved. However, some find the definition lacking. One of the main arguments against the SAMHSA definition is that living a “self-directed life” can actually be considered one of the main features of addiction itself.
In addition to a basic definition, SAMHSA describes four essential elements that “support a life in recovery.” They are health (physical and emotional health), home (stability and safety), purpose (meaningful activities), and community (supportive relationships). All of these things are incredibly important during recovery. Your health, home, purpose, and community will help you stay on track. When they’re properly in place, you have a much greater chance of avoiding relapse during the recovery process.
The SAMHSA definition of recovery also lists ten “guiding principles of recovery.” Some examples of the principles include: recovery is based on respect; recovery is supported by addressing trauma; and recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. To read the complete SAMHSA definition of recovery, you can view it here http://blog.samhsa.gov/2011/12/22/samhsa%E2%80%99s-definition-and-guiding-principles-of-recovery-%E2%80%93-answering-the-call-for-feedback/
What do you think of SAMHSA’s definition? Recovery means something different to everyone. What does it mean to you?
I believe the SAMHSA Recovery definition is comprehensive. Many times addiction masks an underlying mental / emotional health issue that must be addressed during the process of recovery. As the addict replaces the mindset of “stuff happens to me” with “I own my behavior and all consequences from my actions,” I believe the healing recovery process continues for a lifetime. 676 champions celebrate 8825 Sobriety Anniversary years @ http://www.bradmersereau.com/sobriety.html Our 2012 goal is to welcome one new clean & sober recovering participant (nicotine counts) each day … 324 to go. Join us!