The Oxford dictionary defines recovery as a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. The action or process of regaining control of something lost or stolen. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA) defines recovery from drug and alcohol problems as a process of change through which an individual achieves abstinence and improved health, wellness, and quality of life.
Definition of Recovery
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism “NIAAA Recovery Research Definitions” states that:
Recovery is a process through which an individual pursues both remission from alcohol use disorder (AUD) and cessation from heavy drinking. An individual may be considered “recovered” if both AUD’s remissions and heavy drinking cessation are achieved and maintained over time. For those experiencing alcohol-related functional impairment and other adverse consequences, recovery is often marked by the fulfillment of basic needs, enhancements in social support and spirituality, improvements in physical and mental health, quality of life, and other dimensions of well-being. Continued improvement in these domains may, in turn, promote sustained recovery. (NIAAA)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse “Recovery” says:
Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Even people with severe and chronic substance use disorders can, with help, overcome their illness and regain health and social function. This is called remission. Being in recovery is when those positive changes and values become part of a voluntarily adopted lifestyle. While many people in recovery believe that abstinence from all substance use is a cardinal feature of a recovery lifestyle, others report that handling negative feelings without using substances and living a contributive life are more important parts of their recovery. (DRUGABUSE.GOV)
Recovery has been defined in several different ways by different organizations and institutes over the years. Defining the word recovery and the actual meaning of recovery are two different things here. 
The Meaning Of Recovery
The meaning of recovery depends on who you asked. Recovery means different things for different people. From a writer’s perspective, recovery started when I decided to surrender to drugs and alcohol. I knew that I no longer wanted to live my life in full-blown addiction. So I started an intensive outpatient program and learned about the disease of addiction and how to treat my addiction. I have been in recovery for several years now. I have had several relapses through this process but have continued to learn more and more about my recovery each time. Recovery isn’t just abstinence from drugs and alcohol, but a process, the process of change. It is a state of mind and wanting and continuing to work through this process even when you slip and have a relapse.
More About What Does Recovery Mean?
To expand upon this a little, recovery is a new life or a second chance at life. It sees improvements in every aspect of your life. Improvements in mental and physical well-being, with family and other relationships, and improvements in living conditions. Recovery is also other people being able to see a change in you. While living a life in full-blown addiction, I wasn’t able to maintain employment. My whole life revolved around getting my next fix. Once I decided to get help and start working on my recovery, I eventually landed full-time employment and have been a productive member of society. I remain positive through the recovery process and have goals that I am working towards. I refuse to let anything negative impact my life, including any relapses I have experienced. Relapses happen; it is picking yourself back up, learning from it, and continuing to make changes so that it doesn’t happen again.
Recovery for Your Mental and Physical Health
Recovery is also bettering your mental and physical well-being by getting treatment from your providers and going to your doctor’s appointments. A huge part of my recovery was addressing my mental health, discovering any unresolved mental health issues, and obtaining the proper treatment for them. Physical health is also very important. I hadn’t been feeling well for quite some time and wasn’t getting any answers from my original doctor, so I had to seek a new provider. One that listened to me and followed through with tests to see what was causing my physical symptoms. I finally got answers and am now receiving the proper treatment. On a final note, recovery is relationships and mending those that have been affected by your addiction. Recovery is helping others that are still struggling. It is constantly developing new relationships. Recovery is developing a relationship with your higher power. My higher power is God, and spirituality is a very important part of my recovery. I am taking things one day at a time and working through this process, and improving my life daily.
Start Recovering From Addiction or Alcoholism at Evoke Wellness Fl
Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease characterized by the inability to stop using drugs despite any negative consequences it may be causing. Recovery is possible with treatment, but without it, it can and will lead to death. Evoke Wellness at Miramar is South Florida’s premier medical detox and residential treatment facility. We offer cutting-edge treatment for addiction and alcoholism. Evoke Wellness at Miramar offers a safe environment and treats our clients with respect. Our staff works consistently to help each person that walks through our doors build the foundation for long-term sobriety. Our rehab programs promote healing and stability in every aspect and facilitate hope for those lost in addiction. So when you are ready, willing, and determined to beat this, we are here to help you!
