Emergence, a key element of the science of complexity, is the process by which complex structures arise from the interaction of many relatively less complex parts. These parts co-exist over a period of relative time and space. And once a complex emergent state is formed, it remains in a constant state of flux as the ever changing less complex elements of its origin continue to impact the emergent state through open bi-directional feedback loops. This process of emergence has been well documented throughout the sciences, explaining the cosmological, physiological, biological, psychological, ecological, and sociological development of complex structures. From a psychological perspective, human states of consciousness are emergent constructs. For example, many simple electronic charges within our brain, over time, result in a state of consciousness referred to as the “self”. These charges each contribute to some element of “self”, but only when they emerge as a large more complex whole, a brain, do we see the higher order form “self” emerge. And, because complex systems are by nature open systems, continually modifying their structure as a result of continuous external and internal feedback loops, this concept of “self” changes over space and time. For example, you probably see your adult self significantly different than your child self, (even though you are the same person). In addition to this internal identity of self, our relationship with the external world around us is also an emergent construct. For example, the combined less complex external physical experiences within your previous relationships with others, combined with your internal thoughts and emotions connected to those previous experiences, emerge as your overall attachment style. This emergent attachment style influences all of our future relationships. Of course this style of attachment to others is not cast in stone, but is continually re-emerging, slightly different than before, as a result of continuing and even predicted future external relationship experiences and your continually re-emerging internal thoughts and emotions about those current or predicted future relationships.
In accordance with this science of complexity, Emergent Recovery views addiction and recovery as emergent states of being, arising from a synthesis of internal cognitive, emotional, and physiological elements, and external interactions with a perceived world outside of the self. As such, Emergent Recovery encourages persons striving for addiction recovery, along with their helpers, to understand and capitalize on the less complex states of being that lead to and support the emergence and sustenance of recovery. As a result, it proposes that persons examine how external factors like their living environment, past and present familial experiences, social peer groups, and access to economic stability, as well as internal factors, such as the ability to manage thoughts and emotions, can support the emergence of recovery. In order to achieve this, the Emergent Recovery counselor does not promote change through adoption of the counselor’s expert knowledge , but rather joins the person striving for recovery in an effort to uncover and practice the unique external and internal factors they bring to the process.
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