What is one principle of recovery-oriented practice?

Recovery is fundamentally person-driven, meaning that the individual experiencing the recovery journey is at the center of their own process. This principle emphasizes that each person has unique needs, preferences, and goals that shape their path to recovery. The individual’s personal experiences, strengths, and aspirations are vital for fostering motivation and engagement.

This approach encourages individuals to take an active role in their recovery, promoting autonomy, empowerment, and self-determination. Recovery-oriented practices respect the individual’s right to define what recovery means for them and to choose the supports and strategies that work best for their circumstances.

While community initiatives can play a significant role in supporting recovery, and external influences may impact an individual's journey positively or negatively, the core emphasis of recovery-oriented practice is on the individual's own agency and capacity to lead their recovery process. Focusing solely on substance abstinence, as suggested by one of the other choices, overlooks the broader aspects of recovery, which include personal growth, improved quality of life, and the pursuit of meaningful goals beyond just abstinence.