A Holistic Look at Substance Use Recovery: A Book to Encourage the Recovery Wellness Model

There has been a paradigm shift of promoting multiple pathways to recovery in the Substance Use Disorder field. The authors of this book wanted to show multiple treatment and recovery approaches in the field. Many of these approaches move towards the concept of "global wellness". The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the lead national governmental branch promoting many initiatives in the field of addiction and recovery has put out Eight Dimensions of Wellness. We have presented holistic approaches in this book that included many that address these eight dimensions of wellness. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness are: 1. Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships 2. Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being 3. Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations 4. Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills 5. Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work 6. Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep 7. Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system 8. Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life This book is a good companion to our other book published in 2015, "Living Your Life Not Your Story". The authors have brought their collective personal and professional experience into the writing of these books. Davila and Secor present an insightful discourse on the experience of recovery from addictions. Their approaches suggest a shift in consciousness from the bonds of one’s story to living a life with purpose, meaning, and service to humanity as one of holistic, multiple pathways to recovery. A must read for those in the field at every level of care. Henry Singleton, MS, HS-BCP