One of the model's guiding principles is that chemical dependence is a disease that affects the entire family of the addict. Brown approaches chemical dependence as a family disease, but one requiring individualized, age-appropriate treatment or case plans. The model views abstinence as the safest foundation for recovery, but recognizes that this is usually a long process that may include relapses; these can be used to learn which factors trigger the addictive behavior. Brown's model promotes a working partnership between the self-help (Anonymous) communities, substance abuse treatment providers, child welfare agencies, and the juvenile and family court. The integration of a spiritual factor into the recovery process can also be important. For many, part of the spiritual dimension of recovery is a lifelong commitment to serve others, particularly other addicts. Brown's model delineates four distinct developmental stages that all chemical dependents experience during their recovery. These are the drinking/using phase; the transition phase, where abstinence is initiated; early recovery; and ongoing recovery. Each phase is associated with identifiable cognitive and behavioral landmarks that are summarized in this article.