Recovery is a fluid, self-directed individualized process.  Here is some information and helpful links to get you started on your journey.

Guiding Principles of Recovery

• There are many pathways to recovery.
• Recovery is self-directed and empowering.
• Recovery involves a personal recognition of the need for change and transformation.
• Recovery is holistic.
• Recovery has cultural dimensions.
• Recovery exists on a continuum of improved health and wellness.
• Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
• Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude.
• Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition.
• Recovery involves addressing discrimination and transcending shame and stigma.
• Recovery involves (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community.
• Recovery is a reality. It can, will, and does happen.

Source: CSAT White Paper: Guiding Principles and Elements of Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care.

SAMSHA’s “The 10 Fundamental Components of Recovery”
http://www.samhsa.gov/

National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery

Background

Recovery is cited, within Transforming Mental Health Care in America, Federal Action Agenda: First Steps, as the "single most important goal" for the mental health service delivery system.

To clearly define recovery, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Interagency Committee on Disability Research in partnership with six other Federal agencies convened the National Consensus Conference on Mental Health Recovery and Mental Health Systems Transformation on December 16-17, 2004.

Over 110 expert panelists participated, including mental health consumers, family members, providers, advocates, researchers, academicians, managed care representatives, accreditation organization representatives, State and local public officials, and others. A series of technical papers and reports were commissioned that examined topics such as recovery across the lifespan, definitions of recovery, recovery in cultural contexts, the intersection of mental health and addictions recovery, and the application of recovery at individual, family, community, provider, organizational, and systems levels. The following consensus statement was derived from expert panelist deliberations on the findings.

Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential.

Recovery Links:

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)

Faces and Voices of Recovery

National Empowerment Center

National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse

Partners for Recovery (PFR)

Pennsylvania Recovery and Resiliency

Planet SARK

Recovery Community Services Program (RCSP)