A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential
What is Recovery?
Someone who cares about the person in recovery, actively listens to them, and is trustworthy, stable and consistent
What is an Ally and Confidant?
The belief that recovery is possible provides the essential and motivating message of a better future—that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles that confront them
What is Hope?
An important factor in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people who: Believe in the person’s ability to recover, Offer hope, support and encouragement, Suggest strategies and resources for change, Role model positive behaviors and attitudes
What is Relationships and Social Networks?
Demonstrates empathy and caring, fosters self-confidence
What is Emotional Support?
An individual who has lived experience with mental illness and/or addiction to alcohol and other drugs, and has also completed formal training, who provides one-one strengths-based support to peers in recovery
What is a Peer Recovery Coach?
Someone who believes in the person’s capacity for change, and who motivates, encourages, and celebrates their efforts and progress
What is a Motivator and Cheerleader?
Recovery is self-determined and self-directed, with individuals defining their own life goals and designing their own unique path to recovery
What is Person-Driven?
Culture and cultural background in all of its diverse representations—including values, traditions, and beliefs—are keys in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway to recovery
What is Culturally-Based and Influenced?
Provides health and wellness information as well as information about community services and supports available
What is Informational Support?
The experience of being deeply discredited due to one’s perceived and undesired differentness. It is a cluster of negative attitudes or beliefs held by the general public about people with substance use disorders or mental illness
What is Stigma?
Someone who offers their own life as an example of healthy living, “walks the talk”, and provides recovery information appropriate to where the person is in their recovery
What is a Role Model and Mentor?
Individuals are unique with distinct needs, strengths, preferences, goals, culture, and backgrounds that affect and determine their individual pathway(s) to recovery. Pathways may include: Support from families and in schools, Peer support, Faith-based approaches, Clinical treatment, Use of medications, etc.
What is Many Pathways?
Community, systems, societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by mental health and substance use disorders—including protecting their rights and eliminating discrimination—are crucial in achieving recovery
What is Respect?
Provides concrete assistance in accomplishing tasks, such as help to obtain child care, employment or access to community health and social services
What is Instrumental Support (tangible support)?
Someone who provides linkages to the recovery community, treatment and other support services, knows the local system of care and how to navigate it, and has established contacts and partnerships in the recovery community
What is a Resource Broker?
Someone who provides honest and helpful information, helps to identify patterns of behavior, offers suggestions, and does not “sugar coat” things
What is a Truth Teller?
Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit and community
What is Holistic?
Services and supports should be trauma-informed to foster safety (physical and emotional) and trust, as well as promote choice, empowerment, and collaboration
What is Addressing Trauma?
Promotes social connections and engagement in community
What is Affiliational Support (support in building relationships)?
Someone who assists and educates the person in recovery to protect their rights, and acts as a representative for them when requested
What is an Advocate?
Someone who helps identify potential problem areas, assists the person to problem-solve, does not tell the person what to do but helps person with options in a non-judgmental way
What is a Problem Solver?
Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills, play an invaluable role in recovery
What is Peers and Allies?
Individuals, families, and communities have strengths and resources that serve as a foundation for recovery
What is Individual, Family, and Community Strengths & Responsibilities?