Building Inclusive Recovery Cities: Generating community connection and community resilience to improve prevention and early intervention

Authors

Mrs. Mulka Nisic (⚑ United Kingdom) 1

1. University of Leicester

Abstract

Addiction recovery is an emerging area of research science, that, until now, has largely been confined to the Anglophone world. It is based on the idea that recovery is a journey (that typically takes around five years) characterized by improvements in personal, social and community capital. This is a strengths-based model in which positive social connections and active citizenship are key components of individual change. Increasingly, service provision in this area has focused on systems change, often referred to as Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. In Europe, this has evolved into the Inclusive Recovery Cities (IRC) model, with 29 cities across eight countries engaged in this initiative.

The IRC initiative represents a transformative model designed to build resilient, supportive networks at the core of communities. This sustainable and strength-base approach focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals and families dealing with addiction by establishing strong local connections. Through fostering lasting partnerships, the initiative supports those in need while strengthening the community's social fabric, promoting cohesion, and encouraging active involvement from all city residents.

Moreover, the IRC uses public-facing celebration events to challenge stigma, improve access to community resources and to actively contribute to the wellbeing of the local community. Initial evaluations from across the Balkan region suggest significant improvements in community engagement and individual wellbeing. However, this initiative has a substantial and positive effect on the wider community through increased awareness of addiction recovery, reduced social distancing and reduced exclusion and marginalization.

This is a whole systems approach that has positive implications for diverse institutions including the family and the workplace, and provides a framework for linking addiction recovery with prevention and early intervention.