Background:

In the last 20 years, the term "recovery" has become crucial in dealing with addiction . However, different groups, such as researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and people with lived experience of alcohol or drug (AOD) problems, have varying definitions for this term. While professional groups are working towards a consensus, individuals with lived experience use the term differently, causing confusion in UK policy making. Understanding how prevalent and what factors contribute to adopting a recovery identity among those who have overcome an AOD problem can inform clinical...

Background:

Recovery, a primary goal of addiction treatment , goes beyond abstinence . It encompasses various aspects that differ among individuals, making it challenging to measure. Traditional assessments in addiction care have focused on processes, which provide limited insights into treatment quality and long-term outcomes. In contrast, patient-reported outcomes offer a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding. To address these gaps, this study introduced and tested a patient-reported outcome measure for addiction recovery, called Response to Addiction Recovery (R2AR).

Methods:

A...

Emotional wellness is a cornerstone of the recovery process. The American Addictions Centers explained in this short guidance how to use mindfulness therapy and other techniques to help individuals overcome negative thinking, leading to a healthier life and a successful recovery journey.

The Many Paths to Wellness: Explore Chapter 5 in "Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health," which defines the concept of recovery from substance use disorders and reviews methods used by mutual aid groups and recovery support services to foster and sustain recovery. Understand why recovery matters and the diverse paths to wellness.

The American Addictions Centers provide insights into how a healthy diet and exercise can enhance overall health and recovery . This resource offers an overview of the root of addiction and how to overcome it through healthy life habits. This guidance will emphasize the benefits of a healthy diet in improving overall health and supporting recovery. It will also shed light on the positive impact of exercise, including therapies like yoga, on both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, it will provide an overview of the underlying causes of addiction and offer insights on how to overcome...

SAMHSA explains the concept of wellness, encompassing physical and mental health. This resource elaborates on the eight dimensions of wellness that cover various aspects of modern-day life, highlighting the interconnection between physical and mental well-being.

Background:
Recovery, a primary goal of addiction treatment , goes beyond abstinence . Incorporating broad domains with key elements that vary across individuals, recovery is a difficult concept to measure. Most addiction-related quality measurement has emphasized process measures, which limits evaluation of treatment quality and long-term outcomes, whereas patient-reported outcomes are richer and nuanced. To address these gaps, this study developed and tested a patient-reported outcome measure for addiction recovery, named Response to Addiction Recovery (R2AR).

Methods:
A multi-stage mixed...

Longtime wellness expert and creator of the 8 Dimensions of Health Dr. Peggy Swarbrick has published a new tool- a Journey to Wellness Guide.

This Journey to Wellness Guide is designed to help people find new ideas to use to begin or continue on their personal journey, no matter where they are in life.

If they have ever experienced chronic stress, addiction , trauma , or another life challenge, they will find examples here that have helped many to pursue and continue a journey to wellness.

You can use the online full guide 

Download the Full-sized Journey to Wellness Guide

Download the...

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Wellness Initiative envisions
a future in which people with mental or substance use problems pursue health, happiness, recovery , and a full and satisfying life in the community.

Each individual’s path will be a bit different.

Every aspect of wellness can affect a person’s life.
Working toward all of them in one way or another is a great goal because wellness relates directly to the quality of a person’s life.

This guide offers a broad approach for things we can do—at our own pace, in our own time, and within our own...

The consequences of addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol, or engaging in certain behaviours like gambling, gaming, or sex, can be severe. Addiction is often a response to underlying trauma and social stressors, and continued use of these substances or behaviours can create additional physical, psychological, and social problems.

In July 2021, the University of Birmingham launched a peer-led support program for students wishing to maintain abstinence -based recovery (Better Than Well; BTW).

The programme aims to provide:

- support during the admission and early development of...