Information & Resources
Recovery from mental 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 Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (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 the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and on-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem- and from everyone in recovery, making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Home: 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; and
- Community: relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.