The recovery process from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) has evolved over time. So often, the recovery process is referred to as a “pathway” or “journey,” which may seem like appropriate terms. However, when examining the idea of a pathway more closely, it implies that there is a singular chosen “path” or “road” that one will follow and adhere to. Historically, the expectation for recovery has been on choosing a particular therapeutic or self-help path and committing to it.

In the past, there were fewer self-help and treatment program options and less access to resources. The landscape has changed post-pandemic, and innovations in the self-help and treatment space, as well as many virtual options, have increased access to care. More recently, there has been a movement towards a fluid and adaptive approach to recovery that resembles a patchwork of non-linear layers and choices.

There are five stages to the recovery process identified by the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery training for recovery coaches.

So, what has shifted? If individuals are in the stabilization or deepening stages—a pathway is necessary to feel a sense of containment and stability. Or they may need consistency or struggle with change. The connectedness or integration stages of recovery may increase the desire to explore different healing modalities. While new spiritual, therapeutic, or self-care practices have been added into their recovery plan, there may be resistance from self-help group members. Those in the........

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