Epistemic Justice in Recovery Narratives

Sor Juana insisted on her right to interpret texts and formulate ideas according to her own reasoning, not merely receive doctrine passively. This principle of epistemic justice—respecting someone as a knower—is crucial in addiction recovery. The recovering person's own understanding of what led to addiction, what they need to heal, and who they are becoming must be treated as credible knowledge. Too often, medical, institutional, or family narratives override the person's own lived understanding. Sor Juana's example demands we listen to and validate the recovering person's interpretation of their own experience. This doesn't mean rejecting help or expertise, but ensuring the person is recognized as the primary authority on their own life. Recovery requires epistemic justice: your account of your journey matters, your insights are legitimate, and your voice shapes the narrative of your healing.