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Recovery unfolds over time, shaped by each person’s unique experiences and growth. For individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges, understanding what “recovery” truly means can empower and reassure.
This guide explores the modern, person-centered approach to substance use and mental health recovery, highlighting the importance of hope, support, and holistic care for individuals, their loved ones, and the professionals who serve them.
Recovery is about much more than stopping the use of substances or managing symptoms. Mental health and substance use recovery are defined as a process through which individuals improve their health and wellness.
In practice, recovery is a highly personal process of change — a series of steps toward building a meaningful, self-directed life. Each path is unique and guided by an individual’s strengths, needs, and values.
A holistic, person-centered process focuses on four key areas:
No two recovery journeys are the same. Aspects of our life experiences, like trauma history, family dynamics, cultural background, and personal goals, shape the substance use and mental health recovery process. This is why individualized, flexible care is essential.
Importantly, there is hope of recovery. While many statistics focus on nearly 50 million Americans who meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder, a study has found that in the United States, 9.1%, or 22.35 million adults, have resolved a significant substance use problem.
Recovery for people struggling with mental health challenges is similarly hopeful. Of the 67.8 million adults aged 18 or older, or 26%, who believed they had a mental health issue, 45 million, 67%, considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered.
The recovery process is filled with progress, setbacks, learning, and growth. Understanding what to expect can help individuals and families approach the process with patience and resilience. Key aspects to keep in mind include:
Many individuals with mental health and substance use challenges have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into every aspect of treatment and recovery.
Trauma can deeply affect a person’s mental health, coping strategies, and ability to trust others. Addressing trauma is essential for effective, lasting recovery, as untreated trauma can lead to setbacks or ongoing struggles.
Trauma-informed care creates a safe, respectful environment where individuals feel understood and empowered. This approach reduces the risk of retraumatization and supports healing by recognizing the connection between trauma and substance use or mental health symptoms.
Many people experience mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, known as co-occurring diagnoses. Effective recovery requires integrated care that deals with all aspects of a person’s well-being.
Treating mental health and substance use conditions together leads to better outcomes than addressing them separately. Integrated care looks at all needs and how they can be met in a coordinated, supportive way.
Examples of co-occurring conditions include depression and alcohol use disorder, anxiety and opioid use, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and stimulant misuse. Each combination presents unique challenges that require specialized, comprehensive care.
Bournewood Health Systems offers evidence-based, person-centered treatment for individuals with co-occurring conditions. The team collaborates across disciplines to develop individualized care plans that address mental health and substance use needs.
Substance use and mental health recovery are not solitary journeys. A person’s ability to heal and thrive is significantly impacted by the involvement of family, peers, and the broader community in the following ways:
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Ongoing support and continuing care are essential for maintaining progress and preventing relapse.
Sustained mental health and substance use rehabilitation involves a range of services, from outpatient therapy and peer support to medication management and life skills training. These supports help recovering individuals navigate challenges as they arise and build a stable, fulfilling life beyond initial treatment.
Ongoing care gives people the resources and guidance they need to maintain progress and deal with new obstacles as they work toward long-term wellness.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP), outpatient counseling, and peer-led support groups are just a few examples of continuing care options. These programs offer structure, accountability, and a sense of community, which are important as individuals move from more intensive treatment settings to independent living.
By participating in these ongoing services, people can strengthen their coping skills and maintain the connections that support their recovery.
Bournewood Health Systems offers a continuum of care designed to support individuals at every stage of recovery. The team works closely with clients and families to develop personalized plans that promote lasting wellness and growth.
By providing a range of evidence-based services and ongoing support, Bournewood makes sure each person receives the care and encouragement they need to achieve and sustain long-term recovery.
Choosing the right partner for your recovery journey can make all the difference. Bournewood is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that meets the unique needs of each individual and family. Our team is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, affirming services that honor each person’s unique experiences and background so everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
Substance use and mental health recovery are possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Bournewood is here to support you every step of the way, offering hope, guidance, and comprehensive care for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges.
If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step, contact Bournewood today for a confidential assessment or more information about our programs.
This website is not intended to give clinical or medical advice. If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis, please go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department or call 911.
