Betty Ford Institute defines recovery

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif., Nov. 2 (UPI) -- An expert panel of the Betty Ford Institute in Rancho Mirage, Calif., says abstinence from alcohol and drugs is just the starting point in defining recovery.

A paper, written by the panel and published by the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, defined recovery as "a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health and citizenship."

"Recovery may be the best word to summarize all the positive benefits to physical, mental and social health that can happen when alcohol- and other drug-dependent individuals get the help they need," the panel wrote.

The panel wrote that in this context, personal health refers not only to physical and mental health, but also to social health -- i.e., participation in social roles and supports. Citizenship refers to "giving back" to community and society, the panel said.

The panel members said they hope their definition will help in overcoming some remaining obstacles to substance abuse treatment -- including the stigma associated with being in recovery.