Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. However, recovery and healing can look different for everyone. While there may be setbacks in your recovery, there are things you can do to promote recovery. One way to support and promote the recovery process is to focus on these four aspects of your life:
Health, Home, Purpose and Community
The foundation of recovery is HOPE, the belief that the challenges and conditions we face due to issues with mental health or substance abuse can be overcome. The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. Recover is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness that may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.
The process of recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. This often involves family members who become the champions of their loved one’s recovery. Families of people in recovery may experience adversities that lead to increased family stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, anxiety, loss, grief and isolation Embracing the concept of resilience in recovery is also vital for family members who need access to intentional supports that promote their health and well-being. The support of peers and friends is also crucial in engaging and supporting individuals in recovery.
Recovery services and supports should be flexible. What may work for adults may be very different for youth or older adults. For example, the nature of social supports, peer mentors, and recovery coaching for adolescents is different than others. Mental health and addiction services should be
- Responsive and respectful to the health beliefs, practices and cultural and linguistic needs of diverse people and groups
- Actively address diversity in the delivery of services
- Seek to reduce health disparities in access and outcomes
Other Resources
For more on recovery services SAMHSA.gov
COVID-19-Trauma-Informed-Resource-Guide.pdf
Resources to Support Youth and Families During the Coronavirus COVID-19 Outbreak | Youth.gov
The Center for Workplace Mental Health Resources
COVID-19-Trauma-Informed-Resource-Guide.pdf (unitedwayswva.org)