In August 2010, leaders in the behavioral health field, including people in recovery from mental health and addiction problems, and SAMHSA met to explore the development of a common, unified definition of recovery. Prior to this conversation, the need for a common definition was very apparent. In fact, SAMHSA had separate definitions for recovery from mental and substance use conditions. These different definitions, along with other Government agency definitions, complicate the discussion as we work to expand health insurance coverage for treatment and recovery support services.

After many conversations and hard work with our partners in the field, a working unified definition and set of principles for recovery has been developed. The development of a standard, unified working definition of recovery will help ensure access to recovery-oriented services for those who need it, as well as reimbursement to providers.

Additionally, SAMHSA recognizes the importance of measuring the outcomes and quality of behavioral health services. As a result, SAMHSA is working to develop a set of measures to help assess a person’s recovery, with an emphasis on developing indicators that assess quality of life.

Following are the working definition recovery and guiding principles.

According to the working definition, recovery is a process of change whereby individuals work to improve their own health and wellness and to live a meaningful life in a community of their choice while striving to achieve their full potential.

The principles of recovery state that recovery:

• Is Person-driven
• Occurs via many pathways
• Is holistic
• Is supported by peers
• Is supported through relationships
• Is culturally based and influenced
• Is supported by addressing trauma
• Involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility
• Is based on respect
• Emerges from hope

Furthermore, SAMHSA’s Recovery Support Initiative identifies four major domains that support recovery:

• Health: Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way
• Home: A stable and safe place to live that supports recovery
• Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society
• Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope