Guiding Principles

• A recovery - oriented system of care includes prevention, intervention, treatment, and ongoing recovery support services.
• Addiction is an illness and not a moral issue.
• All persons should have access to addiction recovery services without discrimination and with respect.
• The diversity of those affected by addiction and involved in recovery is to be respected.
• In order for addiction recovery services to be effective, the field must have a sufficient and appropriately trained workforce.
• The education and involvement of families and/or other social supports are essential to recovery
• The collaboration of systems that touch individuals, families, and communities dealing with addiction is essential to their recovery.
• An interdisciplinary response is fundamental to support and sustain a recovery-oriented system of care.
• Sound research and effective practice are critical elements of a recovery-oriented system of care.
• Applied research and effective practice must inform public policy about recovery-oriented services.
• Individuals and families in recovery must be partners in research and the development of effective practice.
• Providing sufficient resources for recovery-oriented services is a valuable investment in the health of the community. This should include government funding, health insurance, and philanthropy.