Principles of Recovery

What is recovery?

Recovery is a process of change that can help you improve your health and gain control of your life. You can use recovery for substance use disorder and mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical and emotional health, daily activities that promote connection, and community can help support life in recovery.

What are the principles of recovery?

There are 10 key principles that can help you in recovery. These were created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Recovery is:

1. Full of hope. Knowing that recovery can happen for you is the start toward a better future. Hope can help promote change.
2. Person-driven. You define your life goals. You can find ways to build on your strengths and choose the path toward your goals.
3. Different for everyone. It may include medicine, treatment from various health care providers, support from others, and faith-based approaches. Ups and downs are part of the process.
4. Part of your whole life. It focuses on mind, body, spirit, community, and how you take care of yourself.
5. Something you do with support. Support can come from peers, professionals, and support groups.
6. Helped by relationships. This can come from people who offer encouragement and believe in you. These might be friends, family, coworkers, and communities.
7. Cultural. Your path to recovery will be as diverse and unique as your values, traditions, and beliefs.
8. Trauma-informed. Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, may increase the chance of developing a substance use disorder or mental health condition. Trauma-informed care recognizes that trauma affects your health. This kind of care can help with feelings of safety, trust, and empowerment during recovery.
9. Supported by strengths and resources. This comes from individuals promoting their own care, families supporting loved ones, and communities providing opportunities and resources for people going through recovery.
10. Based on respect. It’s helpful when communities and systems accept and appreciate people going through recovery. This includes protecting people’s rights to achieve recovery.