This study examined differences in the sense of coherence, anxiety, depression, hostility, behavior, and meaning in life among Israeli prisoners recovering from drug and alcohol addiction over various time periods (6-24 months), and without therapeutic intervention (natural recovery). Ninety-eight abstinent prisoners were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised participants who had been drug abstinent up to six months, and Group 2 comprised participants who had been abstinent between 6 and 24 months. Group 2 participants exhibited a higher sense of coherence, and meaning in life, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and better behavior. The findings indicate that natural recovery is possible among addicted prisoners and furthermore, that personal and emotional changes are associated with the duration of abstinence. Understanding the natural recovery process could help in designing more effective and accessible treatment services as well as shed light upon what might trigger and perpetuate the recovery process. (Contains 6 tables.)