Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Ten Principles of Recovery expands the standard meaning of treatment.
Recovery has always been a primary goal in the areas of substance abuse and mental disorders. SAMHSA’s Guiding Principles of Recovery offer a working definition to help advance recovery opportunities for all Americans. These principles also aim to provide a gradual path to long-lasting sobriety.
Keep reading to find out what each principle entails, and how they comprehensively help recovering individuals adopt positive lifestyle changes.
- Recovery Emerges from Hope
SAMHSA declares hope as the catalyst of the recovery process. Believing that sobriety is real and reachable is the first step toward a better future. People overcome barriers and obstacles all the time, and addicts are not an exception to this attainable reality. Hope can be fostered by friends, family members, healthcare providers, coworkers, and other allies who offer support or have been through a similar journey.
- Recovery Is Person-Driven
Support systems are essential for long-lasting recovery; however, self-determination must be at the core. Individuals in recovery must understand that they are responsible for their actions, thoughts, and behaviors of the past, present, and future. Recovery patients have the privilege of defining their own goals and designing a path to achieve them. As they embark along this path, optimizing their independence will help individuals regain control over their lives.
- Recovery Occurs via Many Pathways
It is essential to understand and believe that there is no one-size-fits-all path to sobriety. People recovering from substance abuse should avoid comparing their journey to others’, as each person faces unique challenges. Remember that healing is non-linear and that continual growth may involve natural setbacks.
- Recovery Is Holistic
A holistic approach to recovery encompasses a whole-body experience, including mind, body, spirit, and community. Ongoing sobriety can only be achieved through focusing on all of the components of a person’s well-being. An array of services should be integrated, such as self-care practices, clinical treatment, primary healthcare, social networks, family, housing, and more.
- Recovery Is Supported by Peers and Allies
Support from peers and allies plays an invaluable role in recovery. These people offer a vital sense of belonging and a shoulder to lean on when times are tough. They can also help recovering addicts be accountable for their goals and actions. If you’re looking to build a support system during recovery, choose individuals that you feel respected by and trust. These people can be found through professionals, group therapy meetings, or 12-step programs.
- Recovery Is Supported Through Relationship and Social Networks
Leading a sober life might involve abandoning past relationships and pursuing those who commit to helping you succeed. This encouragement can come through friends, family members, peers, leaders, community members, and any other allies. The involvement of these supportive people can make all the difference during arduous times. Through these relationships, greater autonomy and empowerment are achieved.
- Recovery Is Culturally-Based and Influenced
Acknowledging a person’s background in all of its diverse representations is key in developing their unique path to recovery. Values, traditions, and beliefs shouldn’t be overlooked when determining the services that will lead to sobriety. These factors should be treated with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
- Recovery Is Supported by Addressing Trauma
Traumatic experiences are often a precursor to alcohol and drug use. These experiences come in many forms, such as abandonment, abuse, domestic violence, war, disaster, and more. During treatment, recovering addicts must acknowledge, process, and learn coping skills to deal with the trauma that contributed to their addiction. Healthcare professionals must also be mindful of traumatic experiences to foster safety and trust.
- Recovery Involves Individual, Family, and Community Strengths and Responsibility
Although recovered individuals are ultimately responsible for maintaining their own sobriety, families and communities have an obligation to support their loved ones and stay well themselves. This is especially important for children and youth. The strengths and resources that support groups hold serve as a vital foundation for healing. These communities should assume some responsibility for making sure that recovering individuals can receive housing, education, and employment opportunities.
- Recovery Is Based on Respect
In addition to offering physical needs, communities have a responsibility to make sure that recovered individuals can live free from discrimination. Instead of inflicting judgment, society must show them the respect they deserve for their bravery to seek help. Additionally, recovering addicts should also foster this belief in themselves. Discovering a meaningful sense of identity and self-acceptance is important for maintaining sobriety. Those who invest in their well-being by receiving treatment should be proud of themselves.
4 Dimensions That Will Improve the Prospect of Successful Recovery
Working alongside the Ten Principles of Recovery, SAMHSA outlined four major areas that support a lifetime of healing:
- Health – This involves overcoming and managing addiction as well as making informed, healthy choices regularly.
- Home – Home refers to having a consistent, safe, and stable place to return each day.
- Purpose – Meaningful daily activities offer purpose to life. These might include a job, hobbies, volunteerism, school, or other endeavors.
- Community – Having non-judgmental support from friends and family members is an essential aspect of recovery.
The Ardu Recovery Center Approach
At Ardu Recovery Center, we utilize the Ten Principles of Recovery as we help individuals on their journey to a sober life. We know that not every patient is the same, and that’s why we cater your treatment plan around your specific needs. We center your medical and spiritual healing by providing a wide range of treatments, including detox programs, dual diagnosis treatment, integrative medicine, mindfulness therapy, and enriching exercise programs. Your addiction recovery and mental health are our top priority.
Our rehabilitation center is located in beautiful Provo in Utah and provides an environment of seclusion and peace to center your recovery process. To learn more about how you or a loved one can heal at Ardu Recovery Center, get in touch with one of our friendly representatives today.
