Comprehensive resources for substance misuse recovery

Substance misuse remains a critical challenge within America’s incarcerated population. According to the National Institute of Health, 65% of incarcerated individuals have an active substance use disorder, and 20% were under the influence of substances at the time of their offense. Addressing this issue requires tailored, evidence-based approaches that support recovery journeys in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Understanding the Recovery Journey

Successful recovery often depends on identifying strategies that align with individual needs and circumstances. To determine the most effective path toward sobriety, individuals and facilitators should consider these key areas, as highlighted in research from the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, and Journal of Addiction Medicine:

• Identifying Recovery Priorities: Explore the root causes of substance abuse, develop coping strategies, and build supportive networks.
• Effective Treatment Options: Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and medication-assisted treatment have proven to be effective.
• Personalized Recovery Planning: Tailor recovery plans to the individual, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions and lifestyle factors.
• Building Healthy Habits: Address unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep.
• Addressing Trauma: Many with substance use disorders have unresolved trauma that must be addressed for sustained recovery.

Holistic Approaches to Recovery

Recovery is highly personal and can take many forms. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are commonly used in correctional settings, secular and alternative pathways can provide valuable options for individuals seeking a different approach.

Edovo emphasizes a holistic approach to recovery, drawing on dimensions defined by SAMHSA, the National Library of Medicine, and the University of Virginia:

• Health & Physical Activity
• Self-Esteem & Purpose
• Motivation for Change
• Community Connections
• Emotional Intelligence
• Spirituality
• Employment

The Importance of 12-Step Alternatives

While 12-step programs have helped many individuals, they are not universally effective. Studies reveal that many individuals struggle with long-term engagement in these programs, and their religious elements may not resonate with everyone. Moreover, mandating 12-step attendance can present ethical and legal challenges, as courts have found such mandates may violate First Amendment rights.

Edovo addresses these concerns by providing a diverse library of recovery resources, including secular alternatives that focus on internal motivation and self-control. Research suggests these alternatives are particularly effective for individuals who:

• Are less religious
• Possess higher levels of education
• Prefer personalized, flexible recovery paths

Edovo’s Substance Misuse Recovery Resources

Edovo’s digital platform offers incarcerated individuals access to a wide range of content, addressing critical dimensions of recovery. These resources empower users with regular opportunities for self-reflection and skill-building in a judgment-free environment.

Health & Exercise

• The Phoenix Series: Fitness workouts, yoga, and meditation guided by formerly incarcerated individuals who have overcome addiction.

Self-Esteem & Purpose

• The Art of Soulmaking: A correspondence course focusing on dignity, self-inquiry, and mindfulness.
• The Abstinence Myth: A book offering a personalized, non-abstinence-based recovery approach.
• Rewired Program: A 10-module self-paced course emphasizing self-care, communication, and stress management.

Motivation for Change

• Seeking Substance Abuse Treatment: A program focused on effective, evidence-based recovery approaches.
• Youturn Health Series: Videos covering addiction, emotional triggers, and finding purpose.

Community Support

• The Phoenix Digital Curricula: Group-based activities fostering a sense of connection and community support.
• Ben’s Story: A video series offering inspiration and hope for individuals transitioning out of incarceration.

Emotional Intelligence

• Prison Mindfulness Institute: Video courses teaching mindfulness for long-term self-improvement.

Spirituality

• Reflections and Recovery: Exploring mindfulness and its connection to sobriety.

Employment

• Recovery First Aid: A virtual program addressing substance misuse in the workplace.

AA Resources

For those who find 12-step programs helpful, Edovo offers a comprehensive library of AA materials, including:

• 12 Steps and Twelve Traditions Audiobook
• Stories of Recovery
• Living Sober Audiobook
• A Guide Through the 12 Steps of Recovery

Empowering Individuals on Their Recovery Journey

Edovo’s mission is to provide incarcerated individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their recovery journey. By offering a diverse, inclusive range of recovery programs, Edovo ensures that every individual has access to content that resonates with their unique path toward wellness and sobriety.