![Introduction at Support Group Meeting Portrait of smiling mature man introducing himself during therapy session in support group to people clapping, copy space](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/GettyImages-1141527529-qsd1ca3na055hgf0x0tsh5nha82l5ly49k64nxelww.jpg)
SAMHSA’s working definition of recovery defines recovery as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery signals a dramatic shift in the expectation for positive outcomes for individuals who experience mental and substance use conditions or the co-occurring of the two.
Guiding Principles
Hope, the belief that these challenges and conditions can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. A person’s recovery is built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values. It is holistic, addresses the whole person and their community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members.
The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. It may include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and other approaches. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness and managing setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.
The Four Major Dimensions of Recovery
Health
Home
Purpose
Community
Recovery Resources
Websites
Nevada Recovery Friendly Workplace
Faces & Voices of Recovery
SMART Recovery
Tools & Resources
SPARK Resource Center
Recovery Friendly Workplace Toolkit
Best Practices in Recovery Housing
National Recovery Month
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Tool Kit for Peer Recovery Specialists
Posters & Infographics
![Recovery is Real& Holistic SAMHSA defines recovery as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. The process of recovery is highly personal and holistic, and it occurs via many pathways. 7 IN 10 ADULTS who ever had a substance use problem considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery. 2 IN 3 ADULTS who ever had a mental health problem considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery. Those in substance use and/or mental health recovery are more likely to: Have Ever Been Married View Religious Beliefs as Important Additionally, those in substance use recovery are more likely to: Receive Government Assistance Have Lower Income Have Lower Education Have Received Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Past Year While those in mental health recovery are more likely to: Be Older in Age Have Health Insurance Coverage Have Never Received Government Assistance Have Higher Income Identify as Heterosexual Have Higher Education Have Never Been Arrested/Booked for Breaking the Law Have Received Mental Health Treatment in the Past Year Those in substance use and/or mental health recovery exhibited higher resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. People in recovery were likely to report that COVID-19 had LITTLE OR NO NEGATIVE IMPACT on their mental health. People in recovery who used ALCOHOL in the past year were more likely to report that COVID-19 DID NOT INCREASE their alcohol use. People in recovery who used ILLICIT DRUGS in the past year were more likely to report that COVID-19 DID NOT INCREASE their drug use. For the full recovery report, please visit https://store.samhsa.gov/recovery Policy recommendations to support those in recovery: HEALTH • Expand access to primary health care and mental health and substance use treatment. • Build resiliency. PURPOSE • Implement supportive employment programs. • Expand collegiate recovery. • Offer financial counseling and education. HOME • Create affordable, safe, and stable housing options. COMMUNITY • Establish community outreach and support networks. • Promote antidiscrimination and stigma-reduction efforts. • Engage with faith communities. • Ensure equity access. • Implement criminal justice diversion programs. • Provide family support services. No matter who you are or where you are…there is HOPE. Source: SAMHSA. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis: Call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org Get help at FindTreatment.gov The SAMHSA Office of Recovery promotes a recovery-oriented system of care, working in partnership with recovery community leaders, tracking progress over time, and identifying to resolve barriers to system transformation. Visit the SAMHSA Office of Recovery webpage to learn more and get resources. Scan the QR code to access SAMHSA recovery resources #RecoveryEquity Follow SAMHSA](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NOCE-Infographic-Resource-7.png)
Infographic: Recovery is Real and Holistic
![SAMHSA’s WORKING DEFINITION OF RECOVERY Strengths / Responsibility Hope Person- Driven Many Pathways Holistic Peer Support Culture Relational Addresses Trauma Respect 10 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RECOVERY](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NOCE-Infographic-Resource-6.png)
SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery
![What You Need to Know About Treatment and Recovery There is hope. Recovery is possible. Addiction Is A Disease Opioids are highly addictive, and they change how the brain works. Anyone can become addicted, even when opioids are prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed. In fact, millions of people in the United States suffer from opioid addiction. Signs of Opioid Addiction A major warning sign of addiction is if a person keeps using opioids even though taking them has caused problems—like trouble keeping a job, relationship turmoil, or run-ins with law enforcement. Other signs can include:1 Opioid Use Disorder Sometimes referred to as “opioid addiction,” opioid use disorder is a chronic and relapsing disease that affects the body and brain. It can cause difficulties with tasks at work, school, or home, and can affect someone’s ability to maintain healthy relationships. It can even lead to overdose and death. Trying to stop or cut down on drug use, but not being able to. Taking one drug to get over the effects of another. Using drugs because of being angry or upset with other people. Being scared at the thought of running out of drugs. Stealing drugs or money to pay for drugs. Overdosing on drugs. To learn more about opioid misuse, go to cdc.gov/RxAwareness. 1 findtreatment.gov/content /understanding-addiction/addiction-can-affect-anyone Recovery Is Possible Recovery does not happen overnight. Asking for help from family, friends, co-workers, and others can make a big difference. Tell them your reasons for quitting and ask them to check in with you about how things are going. If you know or suspect someone is struggling, ask if you can help. Treatment Can Help Treatment can help people get their lives back before it is too late. No single treatment method is right for everyone, but research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medication is the most effective approach for overcoming opioid addiction. Addiction is a disease that for many involves long-term follow-up and repeated care to be effective and prevent relapse. When people make a recovery plan that includes medication for opioid use disorder, their chances of success increase. Medications can help normalize brain chemistry, relieve cravings, and in some cases prevent withdrawal symptoms. Medication-Assisted Treatment Options Talk with your doctor to find out what types of medication are available in your area and what options are best for you. Be sure to ask about the risk of relapse and overdose. Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: findtreatment.samhsa.gov Opioid Treatment Program Directory by State: dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ directory.aspx Health Center Locator: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help: hhs.gov/programs/topic-sites/ mental-health-parity/mentalhealth-and-addiction-insurancehelp/index.html Find Treatment Services Use these resources to find services that fit your needs: Methadone • Available as daily liquid • Can only be used in a certified opioid treatment program setting Buprenorphine • Available as dissolving tablet, cheek film, or 6-month implant under the skin • Can be prescribed by a doctor for use outside of a clinic Naltrexone • Can be prescribed by any healthcare provider who can legally prescribe medication • Only used for people who have not used opioids for at least 7–10 days Additional resources to access help: • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) • Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder • Facing Addiction in America | The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health](https://nvopioidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NEW-SELF-PACED-ONLINE-COURSE-Twitter-1200-×-630-px-Facebook-Post.png)