In this episode, we delve into how the long-term effects of past substance use, once hidden in early recovery, begin to surface as people age. We also  explore the gaps in support, and the pressing need for both services and research. We ask why there’s still a lack of studies on aging in long-term recovery and emphasize the urgent role our community and services must play in addressing this overlooked population.

If aging in recovery is real, what must we build? With no existing models, we explore the opportunity to build a framework that treats recovery as lifelong—while also supporting aging in place with dignity and connection.

This episode breaks down a critical misunderstanding—aging in recovery isn’t about addiction treatment. These individuals have decades of recovery behind them. Instead, we explore how their needs center on aging—health, connection, and dignity—not stopping substance use.

This episode explores how drug policies—like the Rockefeller Drug Laws and the War on Drugs—shaped the experience of those who eventually found recovery. From criminalization in the ’70s to the rise of peer-based recovery in the ’80s, it highlights how policy set the stage—while community ultimately built lasting recovery.

For decades, recovery has been understood as a process of stabilization and survival.

But what happens when people actually recover for years?

This episode introduces us to a population that has remained largely outside of traditional systems — those Aging in Recovery. These individuals have sustained recovery for decades and are now navigating the realities of aging.

We begin by defining this population, exploring the gap in services, and examining why current systems were never designed to support recovery across the lifespan.

This episode explores a critical gap in the field of substance use disorders (SUD), and behavioral health: the absence of data on long-term recovery.

While extensive information exists on substance use , far less is know about those who recover and remain in recovery over decades.

This episode introduces "Aging in Recovery" as a largely unrecognized population-individuals who have sustained recovery for deades and are now aging in that recovery.

It outlines the concept, the gap in services, and why this emerging poplulation requires attention from social work, aging services, and policy.

This podcast introduces “Aging in Recovery” as a largely unrecognized population—individuals who have sustained recovery from substance use disorders for decades and are now aging in that recovery.

Hosted by Gil Cintron, LMSW, this series explores the history, service gaps, and emerging need for recovery-informed aging support.