Improve Recovery Supports

Return to Opioid Top-Level Strategy Map

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Overview

Recovery support can look like many different things for a person and their individual pathway to recovery. This is a crucial component of viewing SUD as a chronic disorder requiring long-term care.  Individuals entering recovery through treatment, the crimminal justice system, or on there own often face many challenges in early recovery.  It is important that communities examine what supports are available, identify further needs, and ensure those with the greatest need have access to these supports.

Recovery Defined

SAMHSA defines recovery as:

Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.

SAMMHSA also identifies four major dimensions that support recovery:

• Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
• Home—having a stable and safe place to live.
• Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
• Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

 

 

Key Topics and Strategies

The resources pages that follow address the key areas of support.  These include:

Housing and Family Support

Perhaps the most basic support needed is housing and food.  Without this there can be no security or the ability for focus on recovery.  In many cases going home is not a safe option for those new to recovery.  A stable housing situation is foundational and allows growth and progress in other areas to take place.

 

 

 

Support can include recovery housing, education, job training, childcare, employment opportunities, and other needs. Those facing these challenges when their basic needs are not being met are more likely to relapse.  Communities that fund these supports help those in early recovery re-engage with the community, increase self-esteem, and become highly productive members of their communities.