Agreement for Recovery: First Spanish Consensus on the Concept of Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Current literature does not dispose from a widely accepted definition of recovery in alcohol use disorder (AUD), and most proposals originate from anglophone countries. This study introduces a pioneering consensus in Spain on the definition of recovery in AUD.

The Delphi method was used. The expert panel, comprising 54 multidisciplinary professionals from the Community of Madrid.

A high level of consensus (≥80% agreement) was reached for 45% of the items and majority (≥60%) for 84%. Recovery is understood as a dynamic, personalized, and voluntary process, potentially enduring throughout one's lifespan. It entails a transformative lifestyle shift aimed at achieving a significant improvement in overall quality of life, encompassing physical and mental health, interpersonal relationships, and environmental factors. The journey of recovery is marked by heightened psychological well-being, is characterized by empowerment, personal growth, existential purpose, and positive identity reconstruction. Recovery is supported by substance use management, requires proactive individual agency and involves both personal and societal responsibilities.

This study represents a milestone as it is the first consensus in the Community of Madrid on the meaning of recovery in AUD. The proposed definition of recovery could be a potential reference for similar regions within Spain or even for other countries with cultural similarities. The elucidation of a clear framework of recovery provides a solid basis for future research efforts and clinical interventions in the Spanish AUD landscape.