"We have identified recovery as a crosscutting principle throughout SAMHSA's policies and programs," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. "In standing up this new office, SAMHSA is committed to growing and expanding recovery support services nationwide."
Recovery is enhanced by peer-delivered services. These peer support services have proven to be effective as the support, outreach and engagement with new networks help sustain recovery over the long term. Peer services are critical, given the significant workforce shortages in behavioral health.
Finding Long-Term Recovery
SAMHSA's new Office of Recovery will promote the involvement of people with lived experience throughout agency and stakeholder activities, foster relationships with internal and external organizations in the mental health and addiction recovery fields and identify health disparities in high-risk and vulnerable populations to ensure equity for support services across the Nation.
"SAMHSA believes in recovery and recognizes the importance of including families, loved ones and allies," said Assistant Secretary Delphin-Rittmon. "If people are struggling, they don't need to struggle alone – services and supports are available across the country, which can help people find long-term recovery."
SAMHSA has a long history of advancing Recovery Support dating back to the 1980s with the Community Support Program and the 1990s, when the first Recovery Community Support Programs were funded. SAMHSA defines 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.