In the addiction and treatment ecosystem, recovery has multiple meanings. It can refer to the lived, subjective experience of overcoming a drug and alcohol problem, a systemic, organisational approach to orientating service/s, or a type of therapeutic framework.
In all of these senses, “recovery” is associated with a unique language structure – or discourse – which can exclude those who are not familiar with it. Many words, phrases and expressions of recovery discourse such as “mutual aid”, “recovery capital”, and “recovery” itself are defined and delineated in academic journals or specialist publications, which further limits the extent to which recovery discourse can be engaged with.
With this in mind, here on The Art of Life Itself I’m initiating a “Recovery glossary” project. The Recovery glossary will be a one-stop source of definitions and explorations of elements of recovery discourse. It will form part of a broader venture providing integrated recovery resources to services, practitioners and clients.
I’ll be adding to the glossary regularly, and will post whenever it’s updated. The recovery glossary will be available here and accessible from the navigation menu above.
If there are any words,terms, or phrases you think should be included in the glossary or if you’re interested in contributing, do let me know; either by email or in the comments below.
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Stephen Bamber, 31st March, 2010
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Good point Stephen. Language/Discourse needs to be explored (reflected upon) constantly as we make and re-make our recovery realities. Ironically, as I become more and more embedded within the recovery movement, I find myself becoming more and more uncomfortable with the word ‘recovery’ itself. Larry Davidson acknowledges issues with it but takes the line that until we come up with something better it’s all we’ve got. I think that’s my line. Your glossary might be really helpful in informing the evolution of new ‘recovery’ languages and understanding outside the usual narrow spheres. Thanks. I am interested in contributing.
Any signifier is inherently limited, and as you suggest Alistair, the more one associates with what is signified, the the more the respective signifier appears deficient.
To those who come to the field anew, or to veterans who have resolved any tensions of self-identification (i.e. being “in recovery”), the term appears to be perfectly adequate. For myself, “recovery” has a remarkable plasticity that evokes the multi-facetted nature of the recovery journey itself.
Stephen
I have been so bewliederd in the past but now it all makes sense!
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