Understanding the Shared Meaning of Recovery From Substance Use Disorders: New Findings From the What is Recovery?...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Research
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Substance use disorder (SUD) resolution is termed recovery, but definitions vary widely, causing confusion.
• A lack of standardized definitions hinders formal understanding and research in SUD recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify central and shared elements of recovery across diverse subgroups.
• To establish a foundation for formal recovery definitions in substance use disorder.

Main Methods:

• A national online survey (N=9341) assessed participant agreement on 35 recovery elements.
• Analysis identified elements meeting centrality thresholds overall and across 30 predefined subgroups.

Main Results:

• Four "core" recovery elements were identified: growth, self-honesty, responsibility, and balanced reactions.
• Four "prevalent" elements included enjoying life without substances, managing feelings, abstinence/controlled use, and contributing to life.
• Subgroups with mild/moderate SUD, non-abstinent recovery, and no specialty treatment showed differing endorsements.

Conclusions:

• Identified recovery elements offer specificity and include novel aspects like personal integrity.
• Findings can inform institutional definitions, SUD services, research, and public communication about recovery.
• These elements highlight functioning areas impacted by addiction and support an addiction-free life.