There is a common saying in the field of addiction science: “Nothing about us, without us.” An important reminder during Recovery Month and every month working in the addiction field.

Yet there is still a pronounced absence of systematic feedback from patients in recovery and receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs).

Barriers to engaging individuals in recovery can include social stigma, confidentiality concerns, and fear of exposure or retribution. And yet patients have a wealth of information and guidance on treatment for SUDs and long-term recovery that can benefit the research community, clinicians, and providers, as well as other patients and families.