Sobriety Vs. Recovery

Many people seeking help often make the mistake of thinking that sobriety and recovery are the same thing. In reality, they are quite different. In order to more effectively understand the difference between the two, it is important to first understand that in the case of true addiction, it isn't usually the substances themselves that are the problem. In actuality, the substance use is almost always symptomatic of an underlying problem. What effective treatment and recovery is about is getting down to these underlying causes and conditions. An alcoholic or pill addict who feels that if only he could "get it out of his system" oftentimes finds himself repeatedly failing after sobering up time and again. This is due to the fact that he hasn't truly gotten to the underlying reasons. In addition, with an active addiction and without proper guidance, he is often the least qualified to be able to figure it out by himself. There is a saying that is sometimes said in recovery circles, "the addict is always the last one to know". We have tried to break down, in it's simplest definitions the difference between sobriety and recovery in order to help you determine needs and solutions.

Sobriety

Sobriety is generally considered free from the influence of any mind-altering chemicals or substances.

Recovery

Is actively working on the underlying causes and conditions of an abuse or addiction.