11 February 2020
Researchers:
Sarah Rhynas1, Lisa Schölin1, Fiona Cuthill1, Brandon Walker2, Aisha Holloway1
1Nursing Studies, School of Health in Social Science, Doorway 6, Teviot Place, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Key findings
- Recovery is embraced and sustained by embedding the tools used in early recovery into an ongoing lifestyle to support an emerging recovery identity.
- Over time, strategies such as structuring time, being positively occupied, going to meetings and connecting with others become a stable base from which people can reach out for new experiences.
- Embedding these tools in an ongoing lifestyle provides individuals with the safety and security to try new things beyond the recovery community.
- Visible recovery networks and role models encourage access to recovery and help individuals to develop and sustain their own identity in recovery.
- Supportive social spaces to build networks and share experiences are central to enduring recovery.
