Experiencing recovery: a dimensional analysis of recovery narratives

This paper applies the technique of dimensional analysis to recovery narratives in order to examine the uniqueness of the recovery process. It finds that there are four central dimensions involved in recovery: self, others, the system, and the problem. The recovery process is made up of component processes that correspond to these dimensions: recognizing the problem, transforming the self, reconciling the system, and reaching out to others. The paper concludes by suggesting how understanding these dimensions and processes may aid practice and policy.