Recovery is generally considered a journey rather than an incident. It is a process of change. It is not simply sobriety. It is a unique process of voluntarily sustained control over substance use which maximizes health, well-being, and participation in responsibilities of self, family, and community.
Abstinence begins when an alcoholic/addict quits consuming alcohol and drugs. It occurs at a point in time as an event. Recovery, on the other hand, begins when an abstinent alcoholic/addict starts growing and changing in positive ways. It occurs over some time. Abstinence requires a decision; recovery requires time and effort. Recovery is marked by increasing a stable remission supported by increased recovery capital and an enhanced quality of life. Recovery capital is a person's resources available to find and maintain their recovery to maximize health and well-being.
Overcoming dependence on substances and coping with the issues it poses are important aspects of recovery. Finding new and better ways to cope with life's stressors by seeking help is important in the recovery experience. Recovery starts and continues with regards to personal traits, intensity, duration, personal needs, and community. Individuals define their own life goals. In recovery, an individual’s objectives matter; this process may continue at any speed or rate. Everyone’s experience is different. There are going to be hard times and trying times, but it is not punishment. We have to go through these things and get out to the other end. The only way out is through. Certain steps in my childhood, in my own addiction, in the circumstances that I face today clean and sober, have all been stepping stones. We can control some of the things that happen to us by the choices we make. You are always “ONE CHOICE” away from changing your life.