BACKGROUND

Recovery has been identied as a primary

goal for behavioral health care. In August

2010, leaders in the behavioral health eld,

consisting of people in recovery from mental

denitions, along with other government

agency denitions, complicate the discussion

as we work to expand health insurance

coverage for treatment and recovery support

services.

Building on these efforts and in consultation

with many stakeholders, SAMHSA has

developed a working denition and set of

principles for recovery. A standard, unied

working denition will help advance recovery

disorders and/or substance use disorders

A process of change through which individuals

improve their health and wellness, live a self-

directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative,

SAMHSA has delineated four major dimensions

that support a life in recovery:

Health

Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s)

or symptoms—for example, abstaining from

A stable and safe place to live

Purpose

Meaningful daily activities, such as a job,

school, volunteerism, family caretaking,

or creative endeavors, and the independence,

income and resources to participate in society

Community

Relationships and social networks that provide

support, friendship, love, and hope

Peer Support

Recovery emerges from hope

The belief that recovery is real provides the

essential and motivating message of a better

future—that people can and do overcome the

internal and external challenges, barriers, and

obstacles that confront them. Hope is internalized

and can be fostered by peers, families, providers,

allies, and others. Hope is the catalyst of the

recovery process.

extent possible by leading, controlling, and exer-

cising choice over the services and supports that

assist their recovery and resilience. In so doing,

they are empowered and provided the resources

to make informed decisions, initiate recovery,

build on their strengths, and gain or regain con-

trol over their lives.

Recovery occurs via many pathways

Individuals are unique with distinct needs,

strengths, preferences, goals, culture, and

They may include professional clinical treatment;

use of medications; support from families and in

schools; faith-based approaches; peer support;

and other approaches. Recovery is non-linear,

characterized by continual growth and improved

functioning that may involve setbacks. Because

setbacks are a natural, though not inevitable,

part of the recovery process, it is essential to

foster resilience for all individuals and families.

Abstinence from the use of alcohol, illicit drugs,

have the legal or developmental capacity to set

their own course.

Recovery is holistic

Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole

life, including mind, body, spirit, and community.

This includes addressing: self-care practices,

family, housing, employment, transportation,

education, clinical treatment for mental

disorders and substance use disorders, services

and supports, primary healthcare, dental care,

Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including

the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills,

as well as social learning, play an invaluable role

in recovery. Peers encourage and engage other

peers and provide each other with a vital sense of

belonging, supportive relationships, valued roles,

and community. Through helping others and giving

back to the community, one helps one’s self. Peer-

operated supports and services provide important

resources to assist people along their journeys of

The experience of trauma (such as physical or

sexual abuse, domestic violence, war, disaster,

and others) is often a precursor to or associated

with alcohol and drug use, mental health

problems, and related issues. Services and

supports should be trauma-informed to foster

safety (physical and emotional) and trust, as

well as promote choice, empowerment, and

collaboration.