SAMSHA (2012)
redefined its definition of recovery as
“a process of change through which individuals improve their health and
wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential;”
therefore, when individuals change the overall positive benefits to their
mental, physical, and social health is their recovery. SAMSHA (2012) realized
that recovery is multifaceted, so along with this definition they came up with
the four dimensions that support recovery and the ten guiding principles of
recovery. Consequently, the four major dimensions that support a life in
recovery are: (1) taking care of one’s emotional and physical health; (2) a
safe home or place to live; (3) a purpose to life through meaningful
activities; and (4) community supports that create relationships and social
networks (SAMSHA, 2012). In the article Working Definition of Recovery, SAMSHA
(2012) defines the ten guiding principles of recovery as:
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 their own life goals and design their 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 their
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 of 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 their rights and eliminating
discrimination – are crucial in achieving recovery (p.1-2).
Research
suggests that as people progress through the recovery process their goals will
change as their basic needs are met. According to humanist psychologist Abraham
Maslow basic needs are vital for survival; for example, ‘physiological needs’
are water, food, and sleep; therefore, once these needs are met the individual
would move onto meeting their ‘security needs’: safety, shelter, employment,
and health care (1987). When setting goals it is important for consumers to
have an understanding of the recovery process, because if they believe that
recovery means a ‘cure’ to all their symptoms, then it might make recovery seem
unreachable and be disheartening (Svanberg, Gumley, & Wilson, 2010). It is
important to set appropriate and effective goals for each individual with a neurobiological
disorder. If an appropriate and effective goal is set, then the individual will
have a better chance of impacting their whole life (Clarke, 2012). Clarke,
Oades, & Crowe (2012) explain that there are different stages of recovery
goals; for example, “Avoidance goals aim to move or stay away from a negative
or undesirable outcome (e.g. ‘to stop hearing voices’) whereas, approach goals
aim to move towards or maintain a positive or desirable outcome (‘buy a car’)
(p.298). Therefore, it is important to build on the individuals strengths when
setting goals, and to acknowledge that “Individuals often experience setbacks
within recovery which can lead to a few steps back before progressing again” and
that is ok (Clark, p.303). These
recovery-oriented concepts are transforming the mental health care system (Clarke,
2012; Gehart, 2012; Onken et al., 2007; Pilgrim, 2009; Segal, Silverman, &
Tempkin, 2010; Svanberg, Gumley, & Wilson, 2010).
This
study is an analysis of the recovery system for individuals with a
“neurobiological disorder,” [1]
and it reveals that (1) there is not adequate funding for individuals with a
neurobiological disorder; (2) there needs to be more education and training for
individuals with a neurobiological disorder and professionals; as well as,
accountability for professionals that do not promote recovery and follow the
evidence based practices; and (3) society needs to reduce the stigma and fear
that surrounds a neurobiological disorder, because evidence shows that change
is possible.
[1]
In this paper, “Neurobiological
disorder” refers to a diagnosis given to any person, who currently or at any
time during the past year, have had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or
emotional disorder that would meet diagnostic criteria specified in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM - V).
This term is not meant to be derogatory or demeaning to people who are dealing
with mental health challenges.
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