NCJ Number
158697
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 19-22
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides an overview of the core elements of Dr. Stephanie Brown's Developmental Model of Recovery for drug addiction, which is the foundation of mainstream chemical dependency assessment and treatment.
Abstract
One of the model's guiding principles is that chemical dependence is a disease that affects the entire family of the addict. Brown approaches chemical dependence as a family disease, but one requiring individualized, age-appropriate treatment or case plans. The model views abstinence as the safest foundation for recovery, but recognizes that this is usually a long process that may include relapses; these can be used to learn which factors trigger the addictive behavior. Brown's model promotes a working partnership between the self-help (Anonymous) communities, substance abuse treatment providers, child welfare agencies, and the juvenile and family court. The integration of a spiritual factor into the recovery process can also be important. For many, part of the spiritual dimension of recovery is a lifelong commitment to serve others, particularly other addicts. Brown's model delineates four distinct developmental stages that all chemical dependents experience during their recovery. These are the drinking/using phase; the transition phase, where abstinence is initiated; early recovery; and ongoing recovery. Each phase is associated with identifiable cognitive and behavioral landmarks that are summarized in this article.