Entering into recovery from substance use is a turning point. For many of us, we start the road to recovery following a climactic event, like getting arrested, a health crisis, or a relationship ending. For others, it’s a decision based on weeks or months of suffering and a realization of how empty life has become. However we get there, once we’ve put down the drink or drug, we need to take a long, hard look at our lives. Recovery capital is that combination of internal and external resources a person can access as they journey toward sustained recovery.

When I decided to stop drinking, it was the result of several factors. After another weekend of sitting home, getting drunk all by myself and trying to convince myself I was having fun, I had a moment of clarity. I really looked at myself and my life and realized that I had a problem with alcohol and I would have to take some action. One of the precipitating events leading to that decision was that I had met some people who were sober and enjoyed life. Although I wasn’t conscious of their influence on my perspective, their presence in my life made room for just the tiniest glimmer of hope. Those individuals who were modeling for me a healthy life in sobriety were part of my recovery capital – resources I could draw upon when I was struggling or had questions.

I realize that my journey in recovery is one of privilege. At the time I got sober, I still had a career, a car, a roof over my head, and some financial resources. I had insurance and vacation time so I could access treatment. I was what we would call a “high bottom drunk.” Many people entering recovery have much less than I had, and still achieve long-term, sustained recovery. That’s why it’s so important to accurately assess what will support people in recovery. Long-term sobriety is more than just “not using.” It’s putting in place the pieces to contribute to a healthy, happy life where we no longer want or need to use. There are four types of recovery capital that we need to assess and address.

Physical Recovery Capital

Physical recovery capital comprises physical health, financial resources, housing availability, access to insurance, clothing, food and transportation. Physical recovery capital are those items that contribute to a sense of safety and security. Often, we may struggle in one or more of these areas. These are some of the first areas that need to be addressed when entering recovery. It’s difficult to stay sober when you don’t know where you will sleep at night. Questions to ask yourself regarding physical recovery capital include:

• Am I financially able to care for myself and/or my loved ones?
• Do I have transportation or access to public transportation?
• Is my home/neighborhood safe?
• Is my environment free of alcohol or other drugs?
• Am I in reasonably good health?
• Do I have access to my recommended medications?
• Do I have health insurance?
• Am I able to access regular, nutritious meals?
• Do I have clothing appropriate to the season?

Human Recovery Capital

Human recovery capital looks at the soft skills of recovery. Values, belief systems, optimism, education and knowledge, level of insight, self-esteem, and ability to problem-solve. Sobriety is challenging, and we often struggle with managing our thoughts and emotions. We need to develop some level of self-awareness as we work toward developing new and healthier coping skills. Questions to ask yourself regarding human recovery capital include:

• Do I have recovery rituals that are now part of my daily life.?
• Have I had an experience that marked the beginning or deepening of my commitment to recovery?
• Do I have goals and hope for the future?
• Am I comfortable solving problems and tackling tough issues?

Family/Social Recovery Capital

Family/Social recovery capital examines the nature of family, friendships, and intimate relationships. It’s important for us to involve loved ones in our recovery, if they can be present. We need to assess whether they can take part in our treatment and recovery journey. Also important, is the availability of social supports such as support groups, sobriety-related social outlets, and connections to community-based activities. Questions to ask yourself regarding family/social recovery capital include:

• Is my intimate partner supportive of my recovery process?
• Are my family members supportive of my recovery?.
• Do I have friends supportive of my sobriety?
• Do I have people close to me (intimate partner, family members, or
• friends) who are also in recovery?
• Do I have access to recovery support groups in my community?
• Have I established a connection with a recovery support group?

Community Recovery Capital

Community recovery capital addresses the availability of resources available in the community at large. It examines community-based resources such as halfway houses, sober livings, outpatient treatment programs, and inpatient treatment centers. It’s important to assess the attitudes of the community toward addiction – is addiction seen as something shameful and a moral failing, or is it understood to be a disease that affects many in our society? Community recovery capital also encompasses cultural resources. Native American programs of recovery and faith-based recovery programs can be important resources for communities. The primary questions to ask regarding community recovery capital are:

• Am I familiar with local resources available to me within the recovery community?
• Am I willing to access local resources to support my recovery?

Access to supports and strong recovery capital makes a difference in the quality of a person’s recovery. Once a thorough assessment has been completed, it’s time to identify what areas need to be strengthened in your own life. Set weekly goals to address problematic areas; for instance, set a goal of attending a new support group meeting each week until you find one you’re comfortable with. Or set a goal to put in 10 job applications weekly until you find work. If you lack social support or your family is not supportive of your recovery, identify ways to get support from other outlets. Recovery is a lifelong journey and we need to regularly assess our recovery capital and be willing to make changes when necessary.

References:

White, W., & Cloud, W. (2008). Recovery capital: A primer for addictions professionals. Counselor, 9, 22-27.