A UK national study of prevalence and correlates of adopting or not adopting a recovery identity among individuals who have overcome a drug or alcohol problem

Background:

In the last 20 years, the term "recovery" has become crucial in dealing with addiction. However, different groups, such as researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and people with lived experience of alcohol or drug (AOD) problems, have varying definitions for this term. While professional groups are working towards a consensus, individuals with lived experience use the term differently, causing confusion in UK policy making. Understanding how prevalent and what factors contribute to adopting a recovery identity among those who have overcome an AOD problem can inform clinical, public health, and policy communication efforts.

Methods:

To explore this, a cross-sectional nationally representative survey was conducted involving 1,373 individuals who had resolved significant AOD problems. Weighted analyses were used to estimate prevalence and test correlates of label adoption. Qualitative analyses were also performed to summarise reasons for adopting or not adopting a recovery identity.

Results:

The survey found that 52.4% of individuals identified as being in recovery, 28.6% never identified as in recovery, and 19.0% were no longer in recovery. Factors influencing identification as being in recovery included current abstinence from AOD, formal treatment, participation in recovery support services or mutual-help groups, and a history of being diagnosed with AOD or other psychiatric disorders. Qualitative analyses revealed themes around not adopting a recovery identity, such as low AOD problem severity, viewing the problem as resolved, or having little difficulty in stopping.

Conclusions:

Despite the increasing use of the recovery label in clinical and policy contexts, not everyone who has resolved AOD problems identifies with it. Those less likely to use the term usually had less severe problems and hadn't engaged with formal or informal treatment. Also, their understanding of recovery didn't always align with complete abstinence from alcohol or drugs.