Recovery is defined as a ‘process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential’ (SAMHSA Definition). A key dimension of the recovery process is the engagement with supportive relationships and with networks that may be available to respond to and encourage an individual’s recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs).

It has been documented that rural communities experience a range of social, economic, health disparities that can, at times, limit access to needed supports by individuals in recovery and their family members. However, groups and networks do exist and can be drawn upon to assist/support those in recovery and their family members.

This webinar will provide highlight some of the challenges but more importantly strengths of rural communities that can be used to promote recovery. Strategies that could be employed to enhance support for those in recovery will be shared, particularly those that engage with faith supports and faith-based communities.

Supporting Recovery in Rural Communities: Engaging Faith Supports

Learning Objectives:

• Define the recovery process and the 10 guiding principles of recovery.
• Recognize the prevalence of SUDs in rural communities.
• Describe how providers can engage with faith communities to assist individuals and their family members in recovery.
• Identify strategies for developing responsive approaches to respond to community recovery needs.

Presenter:

Kenneth Flanagan, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW is a Curriculum Developer for the Mountain Plains ATTC and an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of North Dakota.