Knowledge Center

A place for trusted information, resources, and tools to inspire hope and support recovery.

2. Building Recovery Ecosystems

Individuals, communities, and workplaces all play essential roles in shaping recovery ecosystems. Discover articles, guides, and research below to help deepen both understanding and support.

Trusted Statewide and National Resources

These selected statewide and national resources offer credible insights from knowledgeable leaders working at the intersection of recovery, community well-being, and the workplace.

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Core Concepts of Recovering Together

This section introduces the core ideas that make recovery a whole-community effort. Here, you can explore how communities heal, how coordinated recovery ecosystems work, and how supportive networks strengthen both personal and collective recovery.

Recovery as a Movement

Understanding this movement helps explain why strong recovery ecosystems depend on community leadership, collaboration, and long-term commitment. Drawing on recovery history, research, and community experience, authors William Stauffer and Dr. David Best, show that recovery advances not through isolated programs, but through connected communities, allies, and leadership across generations.

The Arc of Recovery Movement History Ultimately Bends Towards Expansion

Recovery Ecosystems

A recovery ecosystem is a coordinated network of services, people, and supports that work together to help individuals and families heal from substance use. Instead of focusing on just one part of recovery, it brings together health care, social support, employment pathways, and even legal or community resources to create an environment where recovery can truly thrive.

Recovery Ecosystems: A Whole Health Approach

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Community Recovery

Understand how recovery can—and must—extend beyond individuals when substance use harms the broader community. This section highlights strategies like building trust, strengthening social networks, and mobilizing local strengths to support community-wide healing. It shows how strong, connected communities create stronger pathways for personal recovery.

The Community as the Patient

Recovery, Support and Ending Stigma

If we want to end the stigma around addiction, we need to speak with a shared, respectful language.

Addictionary from Recovery Research Institute

Learn more about Recovery Ecosystems in a webinar with Seed Sower’s Executive Director, Jay Phillips, hosted by The Fletcher Group.

In this podcast Seed Sower's Jay Phillips talks about his awakening to the great need for recovery services, the decision to leave a comfortable job and commit to a new path in life, the concept of recovery ecosystems, and the daily inspiration he gets from witnessing change in action.

Recovery-Ready Workplace Data

Building a recovery-ready workplace strengthens both people and performance. When employers adopt supportive policies and practices, they create environments where individuals in or seeking recovery can thrive, and where organizations benefit from greater stability, engagement, and trust.

Links and resources below are courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor.