In 2005, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offered the following Working Definition of Recovery:

“Recovery from alcohol and drug problems is a process of change through which an individual achieves abstinence and improved health, wellness and quality of life.”

Expanding on this definition, SAMHSA articulated twelve “Guiding Principles of Recovery”:

• There are many pathways to recovery.
• Recovery is self-directed and empowering.
• Recovery involves a personal recognition of the need for change and transformation.
• Recovery is holistic.
• Recovery has cultural dimensions.
• Recovery exists on a continuum of improved health and wellness.
• Recovery is supported by peers and allies.
• Recovery emerges from hope and gratitude.
• Recovery involves a process of healing and self-redefinition.
• Recovery involves addressing discrimination and transcending shame and stigma.
• Recovery involves (re)joining and (re)building a life in the community.
• Recovery is a reality. It can, will, and does happen.

In May 2011, a SAMHSA blog posting released Recovery Defined: A Unified Working Definition and Set of Principles that reflects SAMHSA’s move into a “behavioral health definition” of recovery that is inclusive of both addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as mental health recovery.

SAMHSA Working Definition of Recovery:

“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.”

SAMHSA Principles of Recovery

• 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; and
• Emerges from hope.