Which of the following best describes recovery support?

Recovery support is best described as voluntary and mutual because it emphasizes the importance of individuals actively participating in their recovery process. Recovery is often viewed as a personal journey that requires the individual to take the initiative and ownership of their path toward wellness. This approach fosters a supportive community where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, leading to a sense of belonging and shared understanding.

In contrast, other options present characteristics that do not align with the foundational principles of recovery support. For instance, mandated and hierarchical structures imply a top-down approach where individuals are required to follow directives, which can undermine the sense of personal empowerment that is crucial in recovery. Exclusive and clinical aspects suggest a narrow focus on particular groups or a more formalized, medical-only approach to recovery, lacking the essential peer support component. Lastly, independent and unstructured approaches may lack the vital connections and mutual support systems that are integral to effective recovery, as they do not encourage collaboration or shared experiences among individuals in recovery.

Thus, the characteristics of voluntary involvement and mutual support make the first option the most fitting descriptor of recovery support.