Addiction Recovery: What Does it Really Mean?
For many, the idea of recovery from addiction is synonymous with abstinence. A person is only considered “recovered” from an addiction or problematic substance use if they have stopped using substances completely and remain committed to living the rest of their life substance free.
While this concept of recovery may be the goal for some, recovery is not a one size fits all framework. Recovery can look and feel different depending on the person, and at LifeSpeak, we believe that an individual’s journey to recovery is just that: individual.
Recovery-oriented systems of care
Reframing notions of recovery starts with rethinking how we deliver addiction care on a systemic level. Recovery-oriented systems of care provide an alternative to traditional addiction care and are based on the basic belief that every person should be able to access the support they need, when they need it, to pursue their recovery goals (Alberta Health Services, 2025). Recovery-oriented systems of care take a holistic approach to substance use and addiction, aiming to personalize access to a range of services and supports from prevention to intervention and, if needed, treatment and recovery.
Most addiction care is reactionary, that is, a person can only receive support once they are already struggling with substance use, rather than receiving proactive and preventative support. Moreover, the support they then receive is typically based on acute interventions to mitigate immediate risks and often does not offer follow up or ongoing support to ensure a person can continue to meet their recovery goals in the long-term. Recovery-oriented systems of care challenge this approach, providing services all along the spectrum from prevention to recovery.
Within this system, recovery from addiction is similarly redefined. Rather than recovery being understood as abstinence from all substances, recovery is understood holistically, and is seen as any action toward physical, social and spiritual healing and wellness while pursuing a substance-free life or a healthier relationship with substances.
A related concept is that of recovery capital. Recovery capital refers to the internal and external resources a person can draw on to begin or maintain their journey of recovery (Alberta Health Services, 2025). Recovery capital is akin to a bank account of resilience; the more an individual has in their bank account, the more likely they are to stabilize and flourish.
Examples of recovery capital include focusing on connections with friends and family, engaging in social and leisure activities, connecting with peer-based support, seeking out educational opportunities, or engaging with cultural support.
Recovery-oriented systems of care focus on whole-person wellbeing as a means of building recovery capital and, ultimately, supporting individuals in meeting their recovery goals. This is where organizations such as LifeSpeak can play a role. Whole-person wellbeing in recovery means focusing on aspects such as an individual’s physical wellness, mental health, family, and caregiving, rather than only focusing on treatment or intervention options. With personalized care plans and programs that cater to all aspects of a person’s wellbeing, LifeSpeak can help individuals start to build recovery capital and meet both short and long-term recovery goals.
Recovery and Harm Reduction
As the concept of recovery is often associated with abstinence, it may seem at odds with the idea of harm reduction. For many, harm reduction may bring to mind images of safe injection sites and intravenous drug use. While this is one aspect of harm reduction, harm reduction simply means any method used to reduce the health and social harms associated with addiction and substance use. Harm reduction may mean participating in a needle exchange program, or it may mean limiting the number of drinks you have per week. Simply put, any action that is taken to minimize the harm a substance has in your life is harm-reduction.
At LifeSpeak, we believe there is space for harm reduction within models of recovery. We meet people exactly where they are at in their recovery journeys and work with each individual to develop and meet their substance use goals, whether that be living a substance free life, reducing the amount of substances they use, or continuing to use substances in a safer way.
What recovery means or looks like is up to the individual. What physical, social and spiritual healing and wellness means is up to the individual. Some may feel abstinence is the only option to work towards multifaceted healing and wellness, while other may feel they are able to use substances in a way that reduces harms but also allows healing and balance in their life. It is also important to note that recovery goals can change. Someone may start with a goal of abstinence and realize that harm reduction is more in line with their current circumstances, or vice versa.
At LifeSpeak, we work with our members to meet their substance use goals and discover and develop the strengths, systems of care, and networks of support present in their lives that are needed to make these goals a reality. In other words, we act as a starting point for members to start filling their bank accounts with recovery capital.
ALAViDA Substance Use, a product of LifeSpeak Inc., is here to help you change your relationship with substances. Wherever you are on your journey, we offer a range of support options to help you make meaningful, positive changes. The TRAiL is a secure platform where you can track your journey, access self-guided resources available 24/7, and text or meet your care team. No awkward conversations, no shame and 100% confidential. Learn more here.