lystn

This episode explores the broader definitions of recovery — what that term means both medically and within the recovery community. So often when we refer to recovery, there is this implied assumption that to be in recovery you have to be completely abstinent. Most medical and spiritual community definitions did have a requirement of abstinence. However, over the years, those definitions have changed, instead focusing on the individual and dynamic nature of recovery, with the overall goal being on wellness and self-improvement.  One definition we like is one by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which defines recovery as follows: “Recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” We love the latest definition, created by The Recovery Science Research Collaborative (RSRC), which states: “Recovery is an individualized, intentional, dynamic, and relational process involving sustained efforts to improve wellness.” We encourage our listeners to consider those broad definitions in their recovery and that of their peers. The value we want to instil in the recovery and medical communities is respect for everyone's right to recover in a way that is right for them. To learn more, check out Liv’s recent article where she delves into this topic in-depth — How Do You Define Recovery?: https://www.thefix.com/how-do-you-define-recovery We invite you to tell us the ways in which you’re breaking free in our free Facebook community: Breaking Free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakingfreecommunity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/breakingfreerecovery/message