Signs of burnout worksheet
This free 10 principles of recovery PDF is for therapists helping clients with substance use.
Recovery from substance use disorders is a multidimensional process.
This article describes the 10 guiding principles of recovery and provides therapists with an overview of different recovery pathways.
We’ve also included a free downloadable 10 principles of recovery PDF to save to your electronic health record (EHR) and use in your practice.
What are the 10 guiding principles of recovery?
The 10 guiding principles of recovery were created at a national conference convened by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
During the conference, multiple stakeholders, including patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals, agreed on the following 10 components of recovery:
1. Recovery emerges from hope
This principle emphasizes that recovery is possible. People with substance use disorders can overcome barriers to recovery, and promoting this message gives individuals hope for a better future.
2. Recovery is self-directed
The right to self-determination is a core recovery principle listed in the 10 principles of recovery PDF.
The individual can choose their recovery goals, pathway to recovery, and the resources and supports that meet their specific needs and goals.
3. There are many pathways to recovery
Recovery is a highly individualized process that must meet each person's unique needs and circumstances. For example, one person may find inpatient treatment suitable, whereas another may attend a peer-support group.
Promoting this principle also means understanding that there are multiple ways to achieve recovery and that recovery is not linear. And, like other health conditions, there are sometimes setbacks.
4. Recovery is holistic
Recovery involves all domains of a person’s life, including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and meeting other social needs, such as community, occupation, transportation, healthcare, social support, and faith-based services.
5. Peers support recovery
Mutual-aid support groups, like SMART Recovery or 12-step groups, and peer support can be essential to many individuals' recovery journeys. Peers have the lived experience to support others and provide hope that recovery is possible. Other recovery allies include providers and other behavioral health professionals.
6. Recovery is relational
The support of family, friends, and other supportive people helps during the recovery process because it instills hope that the person can recover and provides them with support and encouragement.
7. Recovery is culturally based and influenced
This principle is based on the understanding that culture plays a key role in determining the right pathway and support for recovery for each individual. Providers should ensure that their services are culturally appropriate, competent, attuned, sensitive, and personalized to meet the needs of each individual.
8. Recovery is supported by addressing trauma
Services should be trauma-informed, and services should take into account that trauma often precedes substance use.
9. Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibilities
Everyone in recovery is responsible for their care and choosing supports promoting their well-being.
10. Recovery is based on respect
It is crucial to eliminate stigma and discrimination from recovery, both individually and as providers.
These principles are all listed in the 10 principles of recovery PDF, along with reflection prompts for clients.
What are the 4 dimensions of recovery?
SAMHSA’s working definition of recovery from substance use disorders is defined 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.”
The four dimensions that support a person’s recovery journey include:
Health: Overcoming substance use challenges and making choices that promote well-being.
Home: Having a safe and stable place to live.
Purpose: Finding meaning in life, work, and social endeavors, and having the means to participate in society.
Community: Developing supportive relationships.
How to use the 10 principles of recovery PDF with clients
You can download and use the 10 guiding principles of recovery worksheet with clients in several ways.
For example, use the 10 principles of recovery PDF in session as a psychoeducational prompt to explain how the recovery process is multidimensional.
Therapists can also use it as a handout to validate the need for an individualized approach to meet the client’s specific needs.
The 10 guiding principles of recovery worksheet can also be used to prompt clients to think about how they can apply these principles in their healing from substance use disorder.
Sources
American Psychological Association. (2012). Recovery principles.
National Alliance on Mental Health. (n.d.). 10 Fundamental Components of Recovery.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Incorporating peer support into substance use disorder treatment services (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 64). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Chapter 1: Introduction to peer support services for people with substance use–related problems.
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