Recovery and Guiding Principles of Recovery

“Recovery from alcohol and drug problems is a process of change, through which an individual achieves abstinence and improved health, wellness and quality of life.”Recovery is holistic, it involves not only abstinence from substances, but also attains and improved health, wellness and quality of life.
What is abstinence?

• Not using alcohol or any non-prescribed psychoactive drugs

What is wellness?
Wellness is the optimal state of health of individuals and groups
Two focal concerns:

• the realization of thefullest potential of an individual physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually, and economically, and
• the fulfillment of one’s role expectationsin the family, community, place of worship, workplace and other settings (WHO, 2006)
  Guiding Principles of Recovery:

• There are many pathways to recovery.
• Recovery is self-directed and empowering
• Recovery involves a personal recognition of the need for change and transformation.
• Recovery is holistic.
• Recovery has cultural dimensions
• Recovery exists on a continuum of improved health and wellness
• Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude
• Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition
• Recovery involves addressing discrimination and transcending shame and stigma
• Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
• Recovery involves (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community.
• Recovery is a reality.
  Remember, Recovery is not sudden or static. It is a process of change.

• Continuous growth and improved functioning
• Recovery management over a lifetime