Narrative review: The Meaning of “Recovery” for Addiction Treatment and Research

Abstract

Background "Recovery" has been made the focus of UK drug policy. It is a term that means different things to different people and is difficult to operationalize. In this narrative review a discourse analysis was conducted on the use of the term "Recovery" and its many associated connotations in the literature on addiction treatment. Key findings "Recovery" has been most commonly equated with abstinence. It is also often associated with participation in 12-step fellowships. When used in this context, and increasingly as the word is used in academic literature, "recovery" goes beyond abstinence to incorporate transformation and growth in many areas of life. "Recovery" is neither a clearly defined state of being nor a single path or programmed. However, there is reasonable consensus on factors associated with or facilitating recovery. Social reintegration, stable housing, relationships, employment and a meaningful social role have long been recognized as key markers of good treatment outcomes and have recently been rebranded 'recovery capital'. Conclusion Use of the term "recovery" involves an ideological shift, based on the limitations of professional treatment and the greater importance of family and societal support. It is widely understood as a long-term process. Funding treatment services based on clients achieving "recovery" narrowly defined as abstinence from all drugs not only misses the broader meaning of "recovery" but potentially compromises the effectiveness of treatment in reducing harm from drug dependence.

Workplace Supported Recovery from Substance Use Disorders: Defining the Construct, Developing a Model, and Proposing an Agenda for Future Research

“…An environmental context that broadly affects most adults’ lives is employment. Consistent with this impact, employment represents a critical resource in SUD recovery (e.g., Borrelli et al, 2017 ; Brown & Ashford, 2019 ; Grover & Paylor, 2010 ; Laudet & White, 2010 ; Monaghan & Wincup, 2013 ; Room, 1998 ; Worley, 2017 ). However, discussions of employment as a SUD recovery resource have not considered that employment also may undermine recovery.…”

“…As the above discussion suggests, recovery from a SUD can be a complex, dynamic, and heterogeneous process. However, one recurring theme in the recovery literature is the importance of employment (e.g., Borrelli et al, 2017 ; Brown & Ashford, 2019 ; Grover & Paylor, 2010 ; Laudet & White, 2010 ; Monaghan & Wincup, 2013 ; Room, 1998 ; Worley, 2017 ). In essence, employment represents a critical environmental context in which employees’ SUD recovery process unfolds.…”