Introduction
Rob Kent, a respected leader and advocate in the field of addiction recovery, is urging for a paradigm shift in the support structure for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. His recent contributions in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly’s “From the Field” section highlight the critical importance of increased funding and robust policy support dedicated not only to acute treatment, but to comprehensive, long-term recovery infrastructure.
The Gap in Current Addiction Services
Despite increased public awareness and billions in opioid settlement funding, Kent observes a persistent imbalance in how resources are allocated. The bulk of funding continues to flow into short-term, crisis-focused interventions, leaving long-term recovery support services underfunded. This gap undermines the potential for sustained sobriety and meaningful improvements in the lives of those in recovery.
Recovery as a Complete Transformation
Drawing on widely recognized principles of sobriety and recovery, Kent and other experts advocate for a more holistic approach. True recovery, they argue, is not merely the absence of substance use, but a comprehensive change in one’s thinking, feeling, and behavior. Success hinges on reversing the “ideology of a drinker” and cultivating “sober reflexes” — automatic, healthy responses that are developed through consistent, long-term practice and support.
Building a Mindset for Sustainable Sobriety
Kent’s advocacy is grounded in the belief that recovery infrastructure must do more than provide temporary solutions. Services should be designed to help individuals:
– Undergo a complete transformation in mindset, adopting a sober ideology as the foundation for daily life.
– Develop new patterns and habits—“sober reflexes”—that support healthy choices in the face of life’s challenges.
– Reinforce this transformation through ongoing support in housing, employment, peer networks, and community integration.
The Case for Investment in Long-Term Recovery Support
Kent calls for policymakers and funders to prioritize investments in services that sustain recovery beyond acute treatment phases. This includes:
– Funding peer support and recovery coaching
– Expanding access to supportive housing and employment programs
– Integrating recovery support into broader healthcare and community systems
He emphasizes that such infrastructure not only benefits individuals and families, but also shifts societal attitudes toward sobriety, reducing stigma and fostering a culture that values and supports lasting recovery.
Accountability and Policy Coordination
Kent also stresses the importance of transparency and strategic planning in how funds—especially those from opioid settlements—are allocated. Effective oversight ensures that resources reach the people and programs that can deliver long-term value, rather than being absorbed by short-term or inefficient practices.
Conclusion
The path to enduring recovery is about more than breaking free from substance use; it is about building a new way of living. Rob Kent’s advocacy challenges leaders, clinicians, and communities to think bigger: to invest in infrastructure that supports not just treatment, but transformation. By making recovery support a priority, society can offer real hope—and real help—to those striving for lasting sobriety.
