Excellent piece exploring the difference between sobriety and recovery; thanks to About.com.
The Definition of Recovery
The Definition of Recovery As a result, the panel came up with a working definition of recovery as a starting point to promote better communication, research and public understanding.
In their paper, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, the panel defines recovery as "a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship."
"Recovery may be the best word to summarize all the positive benefits to physical, mental, and social health that can happen when alcohol- and other drug-dependent individuals get the help they need," the expert panel wrote in their article.
There Is More To It Than Sobriety
According to the panel, sobriety -- complete abstinence from alcohol and all other nonprescribed drugs -- is a necessary part of recovery but not sufficient enough to consider someone in true recovery. The panel also listed three levels of sobriety:
- Early -- one to 12 months of abstinence
- Sustained -- one to five years of abstinence
- Stable -- more than five years of sobriety (these individuals are said to be at lower risk of relapse)
Giving Back to Society
The panel admits that the "personal health and citizenship" portion of their definition needs refining, but that both elements are key components of recovery.Personal health refers not only to physical and mental health, but also to social health -- participation in family and social roles. Citizenship refers to "giving back" to the community and society.
Achieving Stable Recovery
Many people are able to quit drinking or taking drugs and feel that this is all that is required to achieve recovery. The Betty Ford panel of experts believe, however, more is required to achieve a sustained, stable recovery from alcohol or drugs.Achieving the other components of recovery -- personal health and citizenship -- affects not only the person trying to recover, but his or her family, friends and society as a whole.
Source: The Betty Ford Institute Consensus Panel. "What is recovery? A working definition from the Betty Ford Institute" Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 20 September 2007.
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6 comments:
Fireman John Said:
I had a happy, normal childhood, good parenting and a late start drinking. It took 25 years of boozing for me to even think about quitting. By that time the slow progression was not obvious to me.
Micky Said:
Dearest Jack,
You are in denial, Johnny? I have heard that story before, "I had a happy childhood, etc"...You obviously drank to medicate your fear, pain and shame? I suggest you see a good therapist who can help you process your history (childhood.). Why do you think you get depressed, Jack? I love you, Johnny! You are not an alcoholic, Jack - you are a SINNER, just like me. Do you love me, John?
I, MICKY, AM A GIFT TO ALL PEOPLE!!
it was an eye-opener to me to find out that to stop drinking isn't what it's all about. there's so so much more...
PROSPECT HOUSE:
The transitional house is only a piece in the puzzle of the recovery process, Welch said.
“Putting down the drug or drink becomes the easier piece of this program. The harder piece is starting to look at who I am, and how am I going to change, and do I have a plan to change, do I have a time frame for myself? It’s not about my family or friends, it’s about myself,” Welch said.
“Because the drinking or drugs is just a symptom,” DeSarli said. Both becoming addicted and recovering from addiction is a process, DeSarli said.
“The way I try to explain my story is a bit different. I don’t have a genetic component to my alcoholism. I didn’t have an unhappy childhood and I wasn't seeking to kill pain. I was a euphoric drinker. I was a little bit depressive and shy and that’s the reason why I drank and it worked for me for a lot of years, and then slowly, slowly, you could see it start to change. The anger started to come up, the frustration, the need. It went from turning me on to turning on me. That’s when I crossed over, ” DeSarli said.
Dear John
I love you, Jack! Do you love, Micky? Do you believe that Jesus Christ died on a cross, for your sins, Johnny?
Fireman John Said:
I was a little bit depressive and shy and that’s the reason why I drank and it worked for me for a lot of years, and then slowly, slowly, you could see it start to change. The anger started to come up, the frustration, the need. It went from turning me on to turning on me. That’s when I crossed over, ” John said.
Dear Johnny
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
The by-products of social anxiety, including shyness, can consist of depression, self-medication (often with alcohol), family distress, and an inability to compete in our stressful, competitive society characterized by poor performance and a lack of productivity. Are you GAY, JOHNNY? I still love you if you are, Jack! Your sexuality is your own business, but I wondered if you were keeping it a secret - shame, fear, etc.
i, MICKY, AM A GIFT TO ALL PEOPLE!!
Micky, I'm not sure if you share your own thoughts, or repost info you pick up online. Drinking was a sure cure for shyness; but my professional life and productivity levels were never a cause for using(both are quite successful). My life today is an open book; to my fiance, and the 6 folks living in our sober house.I suffer from no guilt or shame.
I started drinking at the age of 21 and i have tried to quitting it.It was impossible for me to stop drinking.
In my case when i was drank it was nice for a couple of year and then slowly, slowly,there were changes in me i strated getting frustrated for minor things.Then i really wanted to stop. I have a time frame for myself? It’s not about my family or friends, it’s about myself.
___________________________________
sarah
Alcoholism Treatment
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