Life History Theory and Recovery From Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Recovery has emerged as an important paradigm in addictions treatment but the field has yet to achieve consensus on how it should be defined and measured. The recovery construct has been extended beyond sustained reductions in use or abstinence to enhancements in global health/well-being and also prosocial community reintegration. However, few studies have included these broader domains in their measurement of recovery and few scientific theories have been advanced to explain why reductions in substance use occasion these broader life changes. This article applies life history theory to recovery for the first time to help define recovery, advance recovery measurement, and explain why broad change across multiple life domains should facilitate sustained recovery progress. We conclude with a discussion of future directions and challenges for future research informed by our life history framework for recovery.

The Role of Attachment in Poly-Drug Use Disorder: An Overview of the Literature, Recent Findings and Clinical Implications

“…While recovery represents an important paradigm in the treatment of SUD, the definition of recovery has been extended beyond a reduction in use or sustained abstinence and now also includes the enhancement of global well-being as well as a reintegration into a prosocial community. To date, few studies have incorporated this broadened definition of recovery into their design (79). The most commonly used outcome measure, i.e., treatment retention and abstinence from the primary psychotropic substance (177), might not be able to fully assess the effects of psychosocial interventions, e.g., changes in emotion regulation and other attachment parameters.…”

“…Interestingly, spirituality is also considered to be a helpful factor in the treatment of SUD (77). While it is closely connected to the AA program, it has also been incorporated in other treatment strategies (78, 79). This is not surprising, given that the relationship between believers and a higher power (e.g., God or other divine figures) frequently fulfils the criteria of an attachment bond and can consequently be assumed to enable similar psychological advantages (80).…”

Substance Use Disorder

“…As such, the continued development of cognitive and behavioral therapies that strengthen brain areas involved with self-control combined with policy focused on reducing availability of substances and preventing early life adversities may help to curb the SUD problem. Moreover, a focus on enhancing dimensions of slow life history and curbing those indicative of a fast life history may help to prevent and treat SUDs (Richardson et al 2019).…”

Examining Recovery Program Participants by Gender: Program Completion, Relapse, and Multidimensional Status 12 Months After Program Entry

“…When examining SUD treatment outcomes, relapse or any use of illegal drugs or any alcohol use have typically been the primary outcome measures (Richardson et al, 2018;White, 2012). Understanding relapse patterns among program participants is an important consideration in outcomes.…”

“…However, reduced and/or infrequent use of drugs or alcohol may not necessarily indicate serious relapse to SUD (Hubbard et al, 2001;Tims et al, 2001). More generally, recovery extends beyond the use of substances to include enhancements in physical health, mental wellbeing, quality of life, and community reintegration, and these goals can often be met even when there are minor relapses (Kaskutas et al, 2014;Laudet & White, 2008;Richardson et al, 2018;White, 2000;White & Kurtz, 2005). In other words, "Recovery is the process through which severe alcohol and other drug problems .…”