Recovery to Practice (RTP) promotes recovery for everyone and is designed to increase
awareness, acceptance, and the adoption of recovery-based practices. UNT RTP is available
to addiction and recovery professionals, peers, individuals in recovery, students,
family members, the community, and anyone interested in learning more about addiction
and recovery.
WORKING DEFINITION OF RECOVERY
Four Dimensions of Recovery
SAMHSA identified four dimensions that support life in 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.
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
(SAMHSA, 2010).
SAMHSA’s Guiding Principles of Recovery
Recovery emerges from hope The belief that recovery is real provides the essential and motivating message of
a better future – that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges,
barriers, and obstacles that confront them.
Recovery is person-driven Self-determination and self-direction are the foundations for recovery as individuals
define his or her own life goals and design unique path(s).
Recovery occurs via many pathways Individuals are unique with distinct needs, strengths, preferences, goals, culture,
and backgrounds, including trauma experiences that affect and determine the pathway(s)
to recovery. Abstinence is the safest approach for those with substance use disorders.
Recovery is holistic Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and
community. The array of services and supports available should be integrated and coordinated.
Recovery is supported by peers and allies Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including the sharing of experiential knowledge
and skills, as well as social learning, play an invaluable role in recovery.
Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks An important factor in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people
who believe in the person’s ability to recover; who offer hope, support, and encouragement;
and who also suggest strategies and resources for change.
Recovery is culturally based and influenced Culture and cultural background in all its diverse representations, including values,
traditions, and beliefs, are keys in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway
to recovery.
Recovery is supported by addressing trauma Services and supports should be trauma-informed to foster safety (physical and emotional)
and trust, as well as promote choice, empowerment, and collaboration.
Recovery involves individual, family and community strengths and responsibility Individuals, families and communities have strengths and resources that serve as a
foundation for recovery.
Recovery is based on respect Community, systems, and societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by
mental health and substance use problems – including protecting client rights and
eliminating discrimination – are crucial in achieving recovery, (SAMHSA, 2012).
Social Media:
Bringing RECOVERY into the practice of addiction professionals, educators, peer providers,
and anyone interested in holistic recovery. To enhance the outcomes of treatment for
substance misuse in the state of Texas and beyond!