Recovery versus

Abstinence
 Introduction

Addiction is a process rather than an event, so also is recovery. Going through

addiction can be lonely and challenging for the individual not to mention the
family.
However, the decision to lead a happier and healthier life devoid of any
substance use is a major one that requires a total commitment.
There are debates about the best way to define recovery by professionals,
people in recovery and the academics. Some even use abstinence and recovery
interchangeably but they are not the same.
 Introduction continues
When you ask clients why they came into the program, usually they tell you they
have come to quit or stop using substances likewise their families. They simply
just want to abstain from substances. Does quitting substance or drug use equals
recovery? Let’s look at this short story,
Paul is a 35 year old civil servant, married with a child. He quit drinking alcohol
6 months ago but his wife reported that he still comes home late, he doesn’t take
responsibility for the family’s welfare. His boss has given him query letters
severally for coming late to work and absence from work. He is still withdrawn to
self and depressed.
 What is Abstinence?
• Simply put, it is the act of not using alcohol or any substance. Restraining
oneself from taking any substance. This takes care of the physical nature
of the addiction, the actual using of the substance. But, it does not address
the deeper underlying issues e.g traumatic life events.
• This is the case with Paul above. He is not taking alcohol again, he has
quit taking alcohol but he is still not happy with himself, his work and
family still suffer. Life is still not meaningful to him, he still hasn’t
changed his old habits, he still keeps late night. Life is still the same.
 What is Recovery?
• Recovery is a process, a journey, it is all encompassing. A process of
restoring not only the physical health and well-being but also seeking to
restore emotional, psychological and spiritual health. It is about
transformation, freedom, peace, living life to the fullest and achieving
ones potentials in life.
• It is about improving the quality of life and quitting substance might be a
prerequisite. We can as well say that recovery is Abstinence Plus. What
are the plus?
 Abstinence Plus
1. Learning

2. Changing

3. Growing
 Learning
This requires the individual to learn factors such as what, where or who
enabled the use of the substances and how to navigate the situation without
leading to a relapse. It is about education. Learning about the substance and
how they affect the individual.
Learning to recognize triggers, cravings, high-risk situations and how to
manage them.
 Changing
Changing is about developing self awareness and making conscious and
consistent efforts to work on the areas that need to be addressed. It is about
transformation, being who we were before substance use set in.
 Growing
Recovery is a long-term process. It is not a destination, it is a daily work and
each day counts. It requires growing from selfishness to selflessness, it is
about building up relationships that has been strained, it is about growing
healthy social networks, it is about growing from giving excuses to taking
responsibilities.
Recovery is gaining back the control of one’s life and it is not just about
quitting alcohol and drugs.
Thank you for listening