KNOW THYSELF –
Aug, 16, 2023 – Recovery is the experience (a process and a sustained status) through which individuals, families, and communities impacted by severe alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems utilize internal and external resources to voluntarily resolve these problems, heal the wounds inflicted by AOD-related problems, actively manage their continued vulnerability to such problems, and develop a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.
This definition of recovery fits several quite distinct uses of the term: “1) recovery as a lived experience by individuals and families, 2) recovery experience as the connecting tissue within communities of recovery, 3) recovery as an outcome that can be measured by scientists and those responsible for monitoring and evaluating behavioral health care systems, and 4) recovery as both an organizing vision/goal and a benchmark of accountability.”
By describing recovery up front as an experience, White is emphasizing its personal and individualized nature. Everyone will filter the experience of recovery through their own unique history, age, gender, culture, faith, etc. Some will experience blinding transformative moments while perhaps most will experience a more gradual unfolding of recovery.
By emphasizing that his definition of recovery fits those with severe alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems, White is embracing Alcoholics Anonymous’ stance that many individuals (those who are not “real alcoholics” but rather are lesser problem drinkers) may make adequate adjustments to resolve any problems caused by their drinking without a recovery program. Recovery, as defined by White, is a necessary process for those who are more severely addicted in every physical, psychological, and spiritual sense of the word.
