Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC)

The Definition of Recovery

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.

The Definition of a Recovery Oriented System of Care

The central focus of a ROSC is to create an infrastructure or "system of care" with the resources to effectively address the full range of substance use problems within communities.

A ROSC is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered and builds on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities to achieve abstinence and improved health, wellness, and quality of life for those with or at risk of alcohol and drug problems.

Recovery & ROSC Resources 

• The Art of Building Collaborative and Effective Partnerships with Faith Communities
• Anti-Stigma Toolkit: Guide to Reducing Addiction-Related Stigma
• Best Practices in Recovery Oriented Systems of Care: The Case of Pioneer Human Services (Webinar)
• Building Recovery Capital through Digital Health Technologies (Online Video Series)
• Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) PSA

Recovery Monograph Series 

William White's Monograph Series is available now available in two volumes. Both volumes are available for purchase in soft cover and for download on eReaders.

The addictions treatment field is reaching a tipping point that is revolutionizing the ways that behavioral health leaders think about people with alcohol and other drug problems-and how services and systems are developed. Recovery Management / Recovery Oriented Systems of Care contains six monographs by renowned recovery advocate William L. While and colleagues. These monographs provide insight and analysis of the topics important to today's addiction counselors and recovery coaches: recovery-oriented systems of care, recovery management, peer-based recovery services, and treating addiction as a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.

To order your copy please click on any of the links below:

Available from AuthorHouse Publishing:

Volume I
Volume II

Google Play:

Volume 1
Volume II

Barnes and Noble:

Volume 1
Volume II

Or, Order from Amazon

Other Related Resources

• Faces & Voices of Recovery
• Association of Recovery Schools
• SAMHSA's Recovery Support Strategic Initiative

Peer Recovery Support

Peer-based recovery support is the process of giving and receiving non-professional, non-clinical assistance to achieve long-term recovery from severe alcohol and/or other drug-related problems. This support is provided by people who are experientially credentialed to assist others in initiating recovery, maintaining recovery, and enhancing the quality of personal and family life in long-term recovery.