Addiction recovery stories: John Nelson in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie

This paper aims to explore the transition from addiction to recovery. It is the third in a series of recovery stories that examine candid accounts of addiction and recovery. Shared components of recovery are considered, along with the change and growth needed to support the transition.

The connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment (CHIME) framework comprises five elements important to recovery (connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment). It provides a standard to qualitatively study mental health recovery, having also been applied to addiction recovery. In this paper, an element for growth is included in the model (G-CHIME), to consider both recovery and sustained recovery. A first-hand account of addiction recovery is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account. This is structured on the G-CHIME model.

This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectually explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each element in the model is apparent from the biography and e-interview presented.

Each account of recovery in this series is unique, and as yet, untold.