SAMHSA’s Definition of Recovery

SAMHSA developed the following working definition of recovery by engaging key stakeholders in the mental health consumer and substance use disorder recovery communities:

• Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential
• Throughout the competencies, the term “recovery” refers to this definition.
• This definition does not describe recovery as an end state, but rather as a process.
• Complete symptom remission is neither a prerequisite of recovery nor a necessary outcome of the process.
• According to the SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery, recovery can have many pathways that may include “professional clinical treatment; use of medications; support from families and in schools; faith-based approaches; peer support; and other approaches.”

SAMHSA has identified four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:

1. Health—Learning to overcome, manage or more successfully live with the symptoms and making healthy choices that support one’s physical and emotional wellbeing; 2. Home—A stable and safe place to live; 3. Purpose—Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteer work, or creative endeavors; increased ability to lead a self-directed life; and meaningful engagement in society; 4. Community—Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

• Peer workers support people in all of these domains.