RECOVERY
PROMOTING PROTECTION
Addiction recovery is considered by many to be a long-term undertaking , starting when an individual decides to address their addiction , followed by them making the changes needed to realise this , and then if successful , ending with them maintaining the changes . The transtheoretical model is often used to explain this process , as it categorises the stages a person goes through in reaching recovery , from precontemplation when they have yet to appreciate their problem , through to recognising how their life is failing , toward preparing for and taking action to address it , and ending with maintenance .
In the maintenance stage of the model , the changes made are upheld through measures that prevent a return to ways of thinking and behaving that
The concept of recovery protection could empower clients by giving them a new and positive , perspective , says Lisa Ogilvie
could jeopardise recovery . For example , isolating , bottling up emotions or minimising consequences . Relapse prevention becomes a way of viewing life , when someone ‘ stands guard ’ over their recovery so they may recognise red flags that could indicate they ’ re entering a process of relapse , at which point they take action to avert it – the fear of not doing so provides motivation for avoiding the suffering that this life brings . As a way of explaining recovery this is self-limiting , however , as maintenance is concerned with preventative adaptation , not progressive change .
LOOKING BACK Looking back toward what is unwanted perhaps also explains why support is often considered in terms of reversing the decline in life quality caused by the symptomology of addiction and then preventing it from returning . For example , 12-step programmes suggest keeping a moral inventory and making amends for wrongdoings , and SMART recovery delivers interventions that counteract problematic thought processes . Approaches such as these not only look to fix what is broken , but also prevent a return to ways that increase the likelihood of relapse .
This does not coalesce with the definition of recovery as expressed through the recovery model however , which – following an extensive consultation with mental health professionals – was agreed as ‘ a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness , live a self-directed life , and strive to reach their full potential ’. More recently , the extended transformational model has corrected this , asserting that both change and growth are necessary components if recovery is to be forward looking , where new opportunities are appreciated , and satisfaction in life continues to grow . The difference in the two perspectives is that one looks forward to what is desirable , and the other looks back to what is not .
LOOKING FORWARD This renewed perspective on looking forward to the positive champions addiction recovery to be an efficacious lifestyle choice , where an improved future is both envisioned and realised – a future that is worthy of continual and affirming action to protect the advantages it brings . To relay this message of foreseen optimism – as opposed to one of maintenance and prevention – is more empowering , especially for people who are new to recovery , as it could help them break down psychological barriers to engaging with support and propel them toward making an assured and valued choice . Moreover , it could help alleviate some of the anxieties people have over how life can continue without drink or drugs , also helping to counter the inherent
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16 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • OCTOBER 2023 WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM