What’s your definition of recovery?

What’s your definition of recovery?

There are two current clinical definitions of recovery. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed one in 2005, and the Betty Ford Institute developed one in 2006.

CSAT’s 2005 definition states: “Recovery from alcohol and drug problems is a process of change through which an individual achieves abstinence and improved health, wellness and quality of life.”

The  Betty Ford Institute defined recovery in 2006 as “a voluntarily maintained lifestyle comprised of sobriety, personal health and citizenship”.

(from Alcoholdrugabuseweekly; Definition of recovery is vague….by Alison Knopf, May 16, 2011)

Overcoming Stigma

Overcoming Stigma

Stigma is still too often associated with addiction. Stigma may keep individuals from seeking recovery services and families from seeking help for themselves. Some fear discrimination, shame, failure or judgment from others.

But addiction is not a moral issue—it is a treatable disease (similar to diabetes or any chronic disease). Stigma is defeated when we share our stories and educate ourselves and others about successful treatment options.

Do you have a story to share?

Alcoholic before age 21?

Alcoholic before age 21?

Underage drinking is often considered a right of passage; something most teens and young adults under 21 go through. Yet, young adults, ages 18-20, have the highest rate of alcohol dependence (alcoholism) in the United States, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s “2007 Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking” report.

Do you think your teenager is drinking daily?

According to data from the 2010 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, less than one-third (27%) of high school students report that they think there is a great risk in drinking one or two drinks nearly every day and only 55% see a great risk in drinking four or more drinks nearly every day. Previous research on high school students has shown that teens’ decreased perceptions of risk and disapproval of alcohol and drug use are related to increases in use (CESAR FAX, Volume 20, Issue 12).