Recovery has been identified as a primary goal for behavioral health care. SAMHSA has developed a working definition and set of principles for recovery. A standard, unified working definition will help advance recovery opportunities for all Americans, and help to clarify these concepts for peers, families, funders, providers, and others. SAMHSA's definition of recovery came about in 2010 after leaders in the behavioral health field, consisting of people in recovery from mental health and substance use problems and SAMHSA, met to explore the development of a common, unified working definition of recovery.
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness,
live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.