Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery augments the core meaning of what recovery is and how substance abusers in recovery maintain sobriety.
SAMHSA defines recovery as “the process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential“. Recovery is a gradual, deliberate adoption of a lifestyle that creates positive changes, fosters self-awareness of one’s self as a recovering addict and highlights the need for recovery to be considered a work that is constantly in progress.
SAMHSA’s 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery
1. Recovery Emerges from Hope
Recovering from addiction involves believing sobriety can be reached, cultivated and cemented as a way of life. To hope for sobriety is to understand it can be accomplished by anyone who embraces hope.
2. Recovery is Person-driven
Individuals in recovery are responsible for their actions, their thoughts and their behaviors. No one can force them to use again. While relapsing is often a part of recovery, it should never be blamed on another individual or situation. Recovering addicts learn how to take responsibility for their past, present and future actions during treatment with behavioral therapies and skills counseling.
3. Recovery Happens Through Many Pathways
What works to keep one person sober may not work for another person. Each individual faces their own set of unique challenges that should contribute to shaping their lifetime recovery plan.
4. Recovery is a Holistic Process
The word “holistic” refers to a whole-body approach to a person’s mental, physical and spiritual health. A successful recovery focuses on all three components of an individual’s overall health and well-being.
5. Recovery Needs the Support of Family, Friends and Peers
Leading a sober life means abandoning your previous life and embracing those who commit to helping you succeed as a recovering addict.
6. Recovery is Supported by Developing Emotional Bonds with Empowering Individuals
Individuals in recovery must seek out others who believe in them, support them and promise to be there when needed in times of crises.
7. Recovery is Culturally-based
This principle means that recovery support services should always consider the cultural background, traditions and beliefs of people in recovery.
8. Recovery is Supported by Addressing Past Traumas
During treatment, recovering addicts must acknowledge, process and use coping skills to deal with traumatic experiences that contributed to their addiction.
9. Recovery Involves Family and Community Responsibility
Although individuals in recovery are ultimately responsible for maintaining their sobriety, family members and community resources should also assume some responsibility for helping those in recovery. This is especially important for recovering adolescents and young adults who may need sober housing, additional education and employment opportunities.
10. Recovery is Based on Respect
Society as a who must show recovering addicts the respect and dignity they deserve for their bravery and motivation to better themselves and their lives.
Please call America’s Rehab Campuses today to speak to a caring representative who will help you or a loved one start the journey towards a lifetime of sobriety.
