The Addiction Psychologist Drs. Jalie Tucker & Katie Witkiewitz - A Dynamic Behavioral Ecological Model of Recovery
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Nov 3, 2025 Dr. Katie Witkiewitz, a renowned researcher on alcohol treatment outcomes, and Dr. Jalie Tucker, an expert in behavioral economics, explore the dynamic behavioral ecological model of recovery. They discuss how social networks and environmental factors shape recovery journeys rather than focusing solely on the individual. The fascinating ‘shallow lakes’ analogy illustrates abrupt transitions in recovery. Both emphasize the importance of supportive environments, the need for context-aware precision medicine, and innovative outreach for underserved communities.
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How A Conference Friendship Sparked Collaboration
- Jalie and Katie met through conferences and mentorship, which led to a joint sabbatical and an edited book on recovery.
- Their collaboration later evolved into the dynamic behavioral ecological model paper published in 2024.
Recovery Is Broader Than Abstinence
- Recovery isn't solely defined by abstinence; non-abstinent pathways can also be valid and successful.
- The NIAAA now includes functioning and wellbeing alongside consumption in its empirical definition of recovery.
Look Beyond The Individual
- Individual-focused clinical models miss broader social, temporal, and environmental drivers of behavior change.
- Studying molar, long-run patterns and environments reveals emergent regularities that explain relapse and recovery shifts.
