Recovery: What does it mean?

From our Sept 2017 Newsletter!

The certified pet therapy pair went to the annual awards ceremony at the Bedford VA’s Veteran Community Care Program in Lowell.  Max visits with the veterans every week, performing a series of tricks, and providing nurturing and support to those who need a furry friend with a wet nose.  The ceremony was conducted by the veterans and they shared stories of their recoveries, their appreciation for one another, their service to the community there and the greater community of which they are a part of.  Their model of recovery is based on the SAMHSA (2015) working definition:

“recovery as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery is built on access to evidence-based clinical treatment and recovery support services for all populations. Learn more about SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery — 2012.”

It is useful for family members to understand this focus on recovery because it includes management of the symptoms and offer hope, relief, and a call for strategies including setting appropriate limits.

The full discussion on this working definition can be found here:  https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery