Extended Length of Sobriety:

Researchers are turning their attention to the process of recovery from chemical dependency. Factors that establish and support the recovery process are being examined, while developmental stages of recovery over time are being outlined. Focused attention on recovery will complement the wealth of knowledge already accumulated regarding the process of addiction. However, the expanding literature of recovery tends to give scant treatment to recovery over the long-term. Few studies attend to extended length of recovery (ten years or more) as a relevant variable in alcoholism research. Following an examination of the literature on this point, the article suggests potential benefits of "long-term" research and outlines an ongoing exploratory project which utilizes this variable.