Always Recovering, Never Recovered

The language used to describe the experiences of individuals who are recovering from addiction is an important part of the process. It is widely known that the term “recovering” is often preferred to the term “recovered” for various reasons. In this post we will explore these two perspectives and identify how they could impact one’s journey to overcoming addiction.

Recovering

Maintaining that someone who has been addicted to a substance is continually recovering holds some important implications. First, it serves as a reminder that the individual must continuously work towards maintaining their sobriety. In the case of alcoholism, it reminds them that they likely can’t ever drink socially like many individuals, and must remain committed to their recovery program. In recovery societies, such as AA, maintaining the “recovering” label also provides a sense of identity and belonging to a community of individuals who rely on each other’s support to continue healing. On the negative side, this label supports the disease model of addiction, which insists it is an incurable, chronic, lifelong disease. The “recovering” label has also received criticism for being disempowering, serving as an excuse for relapse, since individuals continue identifying as addicts despite having been sober for many months or even years. 

Recovered

Deciding that one is “recovered” asserts that addiction resides in the past and has been successfully overcome. It can also help individuals acknowledge that any ongoing life challenges may be related to factors that do not necessarily involve addiction. The label provides freedom from the substance’s control over one’s life and is therefore more empowering. It also rejects the disease model of addiction, which would be more fitting for someone who does not subscribe to this theory. The dangers of this label include fostering an attitude of overconfidence which is highly associated with relapse. This may even encourage the idea of casual or “normal” consumption. Identifying as “recovered” may not provide the same motivation to implement the many lifestyle changes and efforts required in maintaining sobriety over the long term. Individuals may seek less support from their social networks and disregard aftercare – two very important factors in sustaining recovery.

It is evident that both of these labels have their advantages and disadvantages, and that they may be adopted according to the unique preferences of each individual. Which do you feel is more beneficial or appropriate in describing recovery?