Models to Support Recovery from Substance Use Disorders
Individuals recovering from substance use disorders (SUD) often need support during and after treatment to sustain long-term recovery. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as:
“a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”
Many recovery programs emphasize the importance of peer support. Peer-based recovery support programs are available throughout the continuum of care and may be delivered by either nonprofessional, nonclinical peers in recovery or by specialized community health workers (CHWs), commonly referred to as recovery or peer specialists. Recovery specialists are trained and certified to effectively assist individuals with SUD. One advantage of peer support in recovery is the sense of community they create. People in recovery often experience feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can be easier to address when working alongside peers who have faced similar challenges and can offer a shared perspective.
This section identifies three models to support SUD recovery.