A question has been on my mind for a while--what is the place of morality or moralizing language in addiction and recovery? Not moral? Bill White has been one of the most influential recovery advocates of the last quarter century. One could argue that, over that time, no one has done more to advance the … Continue reading Does morality have a place in discussions of addiction recovery?
Follow the science . . .
I haven't posted for some time. The hospital I work at was hit very hard by COVID-19 and I'm still working on getting recharged for activities like blogging, but the pandemic did play a role in inspiring this post. I've been thinking a lot about the convergence of several cultural trends: historically unprecedented access to … Continue reading Follow the science . . .
Less effective and focused on only one problem
This is a throwback post that was originally posted January 14, 2012. Some friends shared this video about the benefits of exercise: At about 7:00, he says: So a German researcher named Rainer Hambrecht looked at this with about 100 cardiac patients He got the group to exercise, and by that I mean 20 minutes … Continue reading Less effective and focused on only one problem
Recovery Movement Ahead: Embracing Kindred Groups While Retaining Focus on Our Common Purpose
Have been listening and reflecting as of late on where the recovery movement has come from and where we are headed next. We have faced and endured many challenges, both internal and external to the movement. We have done so by remaining focused on our common purpose. Basic tenants of recovery such as tolerance, humility … Continue reading Recovery Movement Ahead: Embracing Kindred Groups While Retaining Focus on Our Common Purpose
On Improving Recovery Engagement In the Context of Increased Social Isolation and Loneliness
I recently attended a webinar on loneliness and the COVID-19 Pandemic by the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness. The physical health and mortality facets of social isolation are jaw dropping. We need to focus more of our resources on recognition of social isolation as a health determinant in respect to substance use conditions … Continue reading On Improving Recovery Engagement In the Context of Increased Social Isolation and Loneliness
WE NEED MORE RECOVERY CUSTODIANS AND FEWER RECOVERY ROCK STARS (BILL STAUFFER AND BILL WHITE)
Definition of Custodian – a person who has responsibility for or looks after something. We are in a critical stage of the recovery movement in America, and we need to think carefully on what direction we go as a community and what we do to ensure that we expand recovery opportunities for the next generation. … Continue reading WE NEED MORE RECOVERY CUSTODIANS AND FEWER RECOVERY ROCK STARS (BILL STAUFFER AND BILL WHITE)
Addiction Counselors Should Become Familiar with “Recovery”
What are some things an addiction professional can do to become familiar with “Recovery”? Suggestions include: Attend open meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, etc.)Read the Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” and the Narcotics Anonymous Basic TextListen to recovery Speakers on online media Read recovery memoirsSit in on a whole program length of a particular … Continue reading Addiction Counselors Should Become Familiar with “Recovery”
Articulating Meaningful Measures of Recovery, Part II
Last week I highlighted the recovery story as the chief substrate by which recovery scientists can define, operationalize, and create meaningful measures for the recovery process. We discussed the rationale for placing the recovery experience, as told by those who have recovered, as the primary source from which we can extract pertinent information that can … Continue reading Articulating Meaningful Measures of Recovery, Part II
The Digitalization of Recovery: Supporting those Left Behind (Bill Stauffer and Bill White)
Recent essays predicted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of addiction recovery and celebrated the resilience of communities of recovery as they transitioned from face-to-face to online recovery support meetings. This brief article calls attention to those potentially left behind in this transition to digital support and explores the ethical and effective … Continue reading The Digitalization of Recovery: Supporting those Left Behind (Bill Stauffer and Bill White)
Capturing Meaningful Data in Recovery Science: Part 1.
Recently I was asked to give a presentation through the RICARES lecture series on Recovery Science. The topic was the measurement of recovery. I want to offer a bit more on the subject here, as I see a need for specific recommendations and rationale for those working in the field, particularly at the programming level. … Continue reading Capturing Meaningful Data in Recovery Science: Part 1.
Recovery Review 