The Basics of Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care

By Peter Gamache, Ph.D. & Jackie Sue Griffin, MBA, MS, Turnaround Life, Inc.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, costs of substance abuse reach more than $740 billion every year, counting the costs related to health care, crime, and loss of productivity. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health states that in 2017, there were 19.7 million Americans aged 12 and older who battled a substance use disorder.

With statistics like these, it’s clear that our current systems of care could be more efficient. Fortunately, nonprofits and government organizations can work both together and individually to bring about positive change, resulting in recovery-oriented systems of care. Let’s have a closer look at the basics of recovery-oriented systems of care, including what they are and how they are developed:

What Is a Recovery Oriented System of Care?

Recovery-oriented systems of care, or ROSC for short, are systems of care built on the idea that substance abuse can only be effectively treated in a long-term program that provides all the support necessary for the afflicted person to stay accountable. For ROSC, that means providing outpatient care, including recovery housing and coaching, as well as checkups.

ROSC is designed to be a supportive network for substance abusers and their families, meant to make seeking help easier and more straightforward. The ultimate goal is to both treat and prevent substance abuse, improving the health and wellness of entire communities.

What Does a Recovery Oriented System of Care Require?

Of course, a recovery-oriented system of care can’t simply sprout into existence on its own. There are certain requirements that organizations and communities need to fulfill before they can implement ROSC. That means developing services that provide support and enable individuals to carry out a self-directed approach to treatment. ROSC require providing links to support networks and different services that can help individuals on the road to recovery.

Resources Provided by Recovery Oriented Systems of Care

Resources that ROSC need to provide vary from housing and recovery centers, to peer support groups, transportation, mental health services, counseling, legal services, and more. A recovery-oriented system of care provides resources that are comprehensive and cover all the needs a person in recovery might have, regardless of their background, substance abuse history, or treatment history. All its resources and services should enable the individual to take responsibility for their health and recovery and help them achieve it.

Developing a recovery-oriented system of care for individuals struggling with substance abuse requires the entire community to come together and offer long-term help. Only by providing the right support and resources for every step along the way, organizations and communities can help facilitate long-term substance abuse recovery.

Implementing these ideas will ultimately lead to a healthier and happier nation, where substance abuse problems are largely prevented instead of being treated. It will also create an environment in which those being treated can begin their recovery without being stigmatized.

Here at Turnaround Life, Inc., we aim to help organizations and programs that make it possible for people to turn their lives around. For more information about us, visit our website.

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