Protocol - Recovery Identification

Description

A single, self-reported Likert-style item inquiring about personal identification in relation to recovery.

Specific Instructions

The PhenX Substance Use and Recovery Working Group (WG) notes that the question below could be modified to include an option of "currently have a problem with alcohol or drugs" and potentially "other."

Terminology related to substances, substance use, and recovery is fluid. Updates in protocol language may be appropriate based on circumstance. Suggestions for revision have been offered to update answer responses or other components of the questionnaires to account for the constantly changing landscape. These suggestions have not been tested or validated in research studies but may be considered by investigators to enhance relevance.

The Substance Use and Recovery WG notes that researchers may wish to use an alternative for the term “medication-assisted recovery” in the response options, as this terminology is outdated. Further, an “Other: Specify” response option may be useful to capture evolving ways of self-identifying.

The Substance Use and Recovery WG notes this item was designed for populations who have resolved a substance use problem. Additional response categories may be needed for use with other populations.

Protocols may include terms and language that could be triggering to respondents. Investigators are encouraged to have resources in place to help respondents cope with triggers as needed.

Availability

This protocol is freely available; permission not required for use.

Protocol

Recovery Identification

Which category best describes how you define yourself now, with respect to your prior alcohol or drug use?

1[ ]in recovery

2[ ]recovered

3[ ]used to have an alcohol or drug problem but don't anymore

4[ ]in medication-assisted recovery

Personnel and Training Required

None

Equipment Needs

None

Requirements

Requirement Category	Required
Major equipment	No
Specialized training	No
Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection	No
Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual	No

Mode of Administration

Self-administered questionnaire

Lifestage

Adult, Senior

Participants

Adults ages 18 and older

Selection Rationale

The single item from the What Is Recovery (WIR) study is an extremely short, face-valid measure that has been successfully used in multiple reference studies (e.g., WIR, Peer Alternatives for Addiction [PAL]).

Language

English

Standards

Standard	Name	ID	Source

Derived Variables

Not Applicable

Process and Review

Not Applicable

Protocol Name from Source

Kaskutas et al. Consistency between beliefs and behavior regarding use of substances in recovery. SAGE Open, 2015.

Source

Kaskutas, L. A., & Ritter, L. A. (2015). Consistency between beliefs and behavior regarding use of substances in recovery. SAGE Open, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244015574938

General References

De Meyer, F., Zerrouk, A., De Ruysscher, C., & Vanderplasschen, W. (2024). Exploring indicators of natural recovery from alcohol and drug use problems: Findings from the life in recovery survey in Flanders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 19(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00604-y

Protocol ID

590401

Variables

Export Variables

Variable Name	Variable ID	Variable Description	dbGaP Mapping

Substance Use Recovery

Measure Name

Recovery Identification

Release Date

January 30, 2025

Definition

Recovery identification refers to how individuals define themselves in relation to prior substance use.

Purpose

Recovery identification can affect substance use outcomes and intermediary constructs (e.g., social support, substance use goals).

Keywords

substance use, drug use, alcohol use, sobriety, sober, addictive behaviors, alcohol use disorder, AUD, excessive drinking, abstinence, substance use disorder, SUD, addiction, recovery

Measure Protocols

Protocol ID	Protocol Name
590401	Recovery Identification