Concept analysis of recovery from substance use

Abstract

In this paper, we provide an analysis of the concept of recovery from substance use. We performed a literature search in CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Embase using key terms that focused on the concept of recovery from substance use. We also conducted a grey literature search and included select resources. Inclusive years for the search ranged from January 1, 2000 to March 10, 2022. Records were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers; data were extracted by one reviewer and confirmed by a second. A total of 22 literature sources were included. Identified core attributes of recovery include: (i) recovery as a process, (ii) recovery as more than managing substance use, (iii) recovery as life improvements, and (iv) recovery as a person‐centred, individual concept. Antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents are identified, and model and contrary cases are presented. We propose the following definition for recovery: Recovery from substance use is defined by the affected individual, who sets goals and objectives for life improvements that include managing their substance use, but this is not the sole focus. Recovery is a person‐centred, individualized process that can be measured by referents that suit the individual's own goals and objectives. What may constitute “recovery” and “recovered” requires definition by each individual.

“I was already there once”: Cumulative attempt capital of marginalized women exiting substance use and street prostitution contributes to their recovery capital

“…Recovery relates not only to abstinence from substance use (Martinelli et al, 2020; Neale et al, 2014); rather, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA, 2012), it 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.” There is also limited agreement on the various meanings that recovery might have (Brophy et al, 2023). The DSM‐5 does not provide a specific definition of “recovery” from substance use.…”

Exploring dog ownership in the lives of people with substance use disorder: a qualitative study

“…Recovery from SUD is a transitional process away from substance use that can be understood in the context of everyday life [ 34 , 35 ]. Comprising the personal and social dimensions involved in integrating relationships and meaningful activity [ 36 , 37 ] the individual with their unique experience is considered the main decision maker in the process.…”

“…Comprising the personal and social dimensions involved in integrating relationships and meaningful activity [ 36 , 37 ] the individual with their unique experience is considered the main decision maker in the process. [ 38 , 39 ] A reduction in substance use comes alongside this recovery orientation rather than being the pivotal measure [ 34 ]. Conceptualising recovery within everyday life allows the significance of all of life’s intricacies and individual recovery outcomes to be included, even those so common that they are often unnoticed [ 40 , 41 ].…”

From existing to living: Exploring the meaning of recovery and a sober life after a long duration of a substance use disorder

“…A consensus on the meaning of recovery from SUD has not been reached ( Ashford et al, 2019 ; Inanlou et al, 2020 ). Yet, the concept of “recovery capital” ( Cloud and Granfield, 2008 ; Granfield and Cloud, 1999 ; Laudet and White, 2008 ) as a variant of the term social capital ( Bourdieu and Wacquant, 1992 ) has driven the field of SUD recovery forward ( Keane et al, 2014 ) by drawing attention also to the social and sociological aspects of recovery, for instance, in terms of social ( Bahl et al, 2022 ; O'Sullivan et al, 2019 ) and family support ( Veseth et al, 2019 ) that promote intrinsic motivation to recover, which has been shown to increase quality of life ( O'Sullivan et al, 2019 ) Moreover, concept analyses ( Brophy et al, 2023 ), systematic reviews ( Hennesy, 2017 ) and meta-syntheses ( Klevan et al, 2021 ) have pointed out that the recovery capital encompasses both individual, cultural and social resources that ease the journey of recovery. In this respect, recovery capital illustrates the well-known concept of “resilience” and how it may be operationalised ( Friborg et al, 2003 ).…”