The definition of recovery has changed quite a bit in the last few years. It is important that you know that when you hear the word recovery, it does not mean what it once did.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA), the definition of recovery was changed to include both mental health and substance abuse as one category rather than two. This made it less complicated as SAMSHA worked to expand health coverage for treatment and recovery services. SAMSHA defines recovery 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". According to SAMSHA, there are 10 guiding principles that are used to define recovery:
- Hope
- Person-driven
- Many pathways
- Holistic
- Peer support
- Relational
- Culture
- Addresses trauma
- Strength /Responsibility
- Respect
Recovery is a process of transformation, an ongoing process of learning to live a whole, healthy and healed life. In the world of addiction, recovery does not mean that one returns to their former self as is nothing happened. A transformation has taken place within the brain of the addict as the basic reward system of his or her brain has been damaged, sometimes permanently. That being said, one can learn to live without the chains of addiction and continue on the path to a whole, healthy and healed life. The journey is long and difficult. Proper and adequate support on every level is needed in order to maximize success. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs is the ideal goal for a sober recovery as it allows the brain to slowly heal by a process known as neuroplasticity. Evidence has shown that it takes the brain between 3-5 years to heal, not to its perfect former state but to a state whereby one can regain the emotions of joy and hope that are lost in addiction. Oftentimes, people reaching this achievement say that life is fulfilling and renewed. To offer the best chance of attaining sobriety for the healing period of 3 - 5 years, a tremendous amount of support needs to be available. At the Farm we want to help people transform physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a long journey but the odds are good if the support system is in place.
At the Farm, we believe that abstinence is instrumental in healing the brain from the damage caused by the addiction. Along with sustained abstinence is the need for a strong support system especially in the first 3 years of sobriety. During this period, the need for learning and building the skills that facilitate growth and healing are so important. The need to be part of a community is essential to the emotional needs such as the need to be valued, to be productive, trusted, and loved by self and family. We believe the Farm model provides the best chance for reaching long term abstinence.
In our country, long term support is given for the treatment of cancer, a life threatening disease. The five year mark is used to determine success. During that five year period, the patient will have all modern therapies available that have proven to be successful and will be given the best chance of recovery possible. Why aren't we offering victims of addiction the same? Is it because they aren't worth the money? Is it because we choose to believe that the insurance and pharmaceutical companies have the best alternative? Is it because it is cheaper?
Now consider the treatment for opiate addiction which is also a life threatening disease. Five year abstinence is also used to determine success. But instead of encouraging abstinence, you are given medication (pharmaceutical opioid) to manage your addiction along with group therapy and maybe individual counseling to reduce the likelihood of relapse and death from overdose. People, especially young people, want to survive. Some will do well with the current treatment offered and will get their life back and find joy again. If and when they may someday want to break from the bonds of buprenorphine or methadone, the Farm will be ready with long term recovery support in place.
Why choose abstinence? There are too many people for whom the medication assisted program does not work. It does not work on addictions other than opioids nor does it always work for those in critical stages of addiction. It is an option which works for some and for them we are happy. We believe that abstinence needs to be promoted as an option. It is too important not to mention it. Not too long ago, abstinence was considered the road to recovery. Three years ago, the definition of recovery was changed and so was the 'gold standard' of treatment. Recovery is now considered a progression of positive signs which lead to a more normal lifestyle. Things like being able to hold a job and showing signs of responsibility are some of the positive improvements which define 'recovery'. In connection with this new definition of recovery is the reduction in available rehab centers and the reduction in time allowed to spend in one. This also coincides with the wider availability and access to medication assisted treatments as well as tele-counseling.
The standard of treatment for Doctors and other professionals is abstinence and long-term care (generally 5 years). Physician Health Programs (PHP's) have demonstrated that after five years, 71% of physicians were licenses and working. These are statistics that should be available to all who choose abstinence as their recovery.
It has been shown that 85% of the people who live in abstinence for a period of five years stay in recovery for the rest of their lives. We need to do better.