Recovery is best described as:

Recovery is best described as a process of change toward health and wellness because it encompasses a holistic and individualized journey. This process involves not only abstaining from substance use but also making significant transitions in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Recovery emphasizes growth, self-discovery, and the development of coping strategies that contribute to overall quality of life.

This definition aligns with contemporary understanding in the field of addiction treatment, which recognizes that recovery is not merely about stopping substance use but also about creating a sustainable lifestyle that promotes health, personal development, and social reintegration. It is inherently ongoing and dynamic, often requiring continuous effort and adaptability.

The other choices reflect incomplete or overly simplified concepts of recovery, which may not capture the comprehensive and sustained nature of what recovery truly entails. For instance, viewing recovery as a "quick fix" or a "temporary period" undermines the complexity and long-term commitment needed to achieve lasting change. Similarly, relegating recovery to only a method of managing addiction through medication neglects the importance of behavioral, social, and psychological components that are essential in a thorough recovery process.