Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Saturday, November 3, 2007


“Recovery” means many things to many people.
Findings Betty Ford Institute Summer 2007







So many things to so many people, that the meaning of this word/concept/lifestyle has taken on a mysterious or even “fringe” quality that has prevented popular understanding and acceptance.

The challenge of the inaugural Betty Ford Institute Consensus Conference was to try to develop a definition of “recovery” that would have utility for clinicians and researchers alike.

In the Fall of 2006, a blue-ribbon panel of researchers, policy makers, clinicians and members of the recovering community, met in Rancho Mirage, California to discuss – and try to define – “recovery.” Erica Goode, a science editor at The New York Times, served as moderator.

The definition that emerged is this: Recovery from substance dependence is a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health and citizenship.

Recovery from substance dependence is a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health and citizenship:

1. Sobriety – abstinence from alcohol and all other non-prescribed drugs

This criterion is considered primary, and necessary for a recovery lifestyle. Evidence indicates that for formerly dependent individuals, sobriety is most reliably achieved through the practice of abstinance from alcohol and all other drugs of abuse.

Early sobriety = 1-11 months.
Sustained sobriety = 1-5 years.
Stable sobriety = 5 years or more

2. Personal Health – improved quality of personal life as defined and measured by validated instruments such as the physical health, psychological health independence and
spirituality scales of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHO-QOL, 1998).

3. Citizenship – living with regard and respect for those around you as defined and measured by validated instruments such as the social function and environment scales of the WHO-QOL instrument. (WHO-QOL, 1998).

Criteria two and three extend sobriety into the broader concept of recovery. Personal healthand citezenship are often achieved and sustained through peer support groups such as AA and practices consistent with the 12 steps and 12 traditions.

Read Full Article (PDF)

Download WHO-QOL, 1998 Manual (PDF)
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