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1 - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Pathways to Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder

from Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2021

By
Jalie A. Tucker  and
Katie Witkiewitz
Edited by
Jalie A. Tucker  and
Katie Witkiewitz
Jalie A. Tucker
Affiliation:
University of Florida
Katie Witkiewitz
Affiliation:
University of New Mexico
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Summary

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been described as a chronic relapsing condition, yet most individuals who develop AUD will reduce or resolve their problem, and many will “recover.” This chapter summarizes historical and contemporary definitions of recovery, including those developed by key stakeholder groups and definitions based on research with individuals who meet AUD criteria and resolve their problems with or without treatment. The literature supports an expanded definition of recovery as an ongoing dynamic behavior change process characterized by relatively stable improvements in biopsychosocial functioning and purpose in life. Definitions focused solely on abstinence and absence of AUD symptoms do not capture the multidimensional and heterogeneous pathways to recovery found in general population and clinical samples, and non-abstinent recovery is possible. The chapter discusses a shift away from a pathology-based model of recovery towards a strength-based, resilience-building model that recognizes many possible pathways to stable positive change.

Keywords

alcohol use disorderrecoveryremissionnatural recoveryhelp-seekingalcohol treatmentlife-health functioningalcohol consumption
Type
Chapter
Information
Dynamic Pathways to Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder
Meaning and Methods
 , pp. 3 - 22
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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