Recovery

Recovery is the process of returning to a prior state after damage or loss. It is used in medicine, psychology, economics, and environmental science to describe gradual restoration of function, finances, data, or ecosystems, emphasizing resilience and progression toward stability.

In health care, recovery means restoring function after injury, illness, or surgery. It includes healing, rehabilitation, and regaining strength. Timelines vary with condition, treatment, age, and access to support such as nutrition and therapy.

In psychology and addiction, recovery denotes a sustained change toward a healthier life. It may involve medical treatment, counseling, peer support, and coping skills. Recovery is often non-linear, with potential relapses, and centers on growth, autonomy, and community participation.

Disaster recovery covers rebuilding infrastructure and services after disruptive events. Economic recovery tracks employment and income gains. Planning emphasizes resilience and sustainable reconstruction, though outcomes can differ by resources, governance, and social support.

In IT, data recovery retrieves lost or corrupted data from storage media. Methods include backups, redundancy, and recovery software. Success depends on backup availability, damage extent, and data preservation practices.

Ecological recovery describes regrowth of ecosystems after disturbance. It involves succession, habitat restoration, and recovery of ecosystem services. Indicators include species diversity, biomass, and productivity; resilience affects pace.

Because recovery spans domains, indicators vary by field but commonly measure time to baseline, functional status, or economic performance. Policy aims to support recovery through prevention, health care, and infrastructure.