What is Recovery? The Meaning of Recovery

If we don’t start to view recovery more inclusively, we are denying hope and healing to those who benefit from approaches other than the steps. There is no “one true way” to end addiction—and the idea that “one size fits all” can be harmful Top 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober House for Living and even deadly in some cases. Until we recognize this and celebrate the variety of recovery experiences, September’s National Recovery Month and similar efforts to promote healing will fail to reach millions of people who could benefit.

• People who have recovered from leprosy disease but still struggle with illness and sickness due to their physical appearance and discrimination are examples of such a case (van Haaren et al. 2016).
• Using Hofmann’s definitions, injury is included under the broad category of disease as a condition under the medical and healthcare perspective.
• There, recovery typically vanishes, to be replaced without explanation by “abstinence” (e.g., Fiorentine & Hillhouse, 2001).
• Such issues are often worked on with addiction professionals during the addiction treatment process.

Studies reflect that those with greater meaning in their life find life more pleasurable, and also have greater psychological wellbeing. As such, individuals in recovery from addiction who have newfound meaning and purpose in life in turn may find life is pleasurable. One reason that individuals find themselves addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling or other addictions is that it is the only thing in life that gives them pleasure. Due to the impact that addictions have on hijacking the brain’s reward system, individuals who are addicted often report having a low mood, losing interest in other things they used to find pleasurable, and are only able to find solace in their addiction.

The Definition of Recovery

The concept of “recovery” originally began in the addictions field, referring to a person recovering from a substance use disorder. The term has more recently been adopted in the mental health field as people realize that, similar to recovery from an https://goodmenproject.com/everyday-life-2/top-5-tips-to-consider-when-choosing-a-sober-house-for-living/ addiction, recovery from a mental illness is also possible. Recovery is a lifelong process, so it’s not something that has an endpoint. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique, so you may find that what works for someone else might not work for you.

But once you’re in recovery for your addiction or behavioral health condition, you’re in recovery for the rest of your life. In turn, low self-worth often exacerbates one’s substance use or addictive behavior. The individual finds solace in their addiction, as it tends to either distract or numb them from their feelings of inferiority and insecurity, and also serves to give a false sense of confidence.

Lessons of Addiction Recovery That Are Rooted in Psychology

Anyone battling a mental and/or substance use disorder can recover with the right help and resources. Recovery is possible for you, but this requires a commitment from you. As noted above, recovery is a long-term process that requires ongoing and active care. In order to achieve recovery, you must seek professional help and support.