Knowledge Center
A place for trusted information, resources, and tools to inspire hope and support recovery.
Evidence-Based Impact
Explore the science of recovery and the evidence that offers real hope. Here, you’ll find peer-reviewed research and information that deepens understanding of this complex health condition.
What Recovery Means
SAMHSA describes recovery as a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
Recovery is supported by four key dimensions:
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Health – managing one’s condition and making healthy choices
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Home – having a stable and safe place to live
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Purpose – engaging in meaningful daily activities and having independence
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Community – building supportive relationships and networks that provide love and hope
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Other SAMHSA resources
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RecoverMe campaign is designed to empower young adults by connecting them to resources that support both substance use and mental health recovery.​
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Talk. They Hear You: How to Tell If Your Child Is Drinking Alcohol or Using Other Drugs
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SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)​
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Research and lived experience continue to show that recovery is both achievable and sustainable when supported by effective care, community, and compassion.​​
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Language matters – it is important how you talk about addiction and recovery
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Ongoing recovery monitoring and management remains important
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Do not give up hope if you encounter a recurrence of your disorder
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Early intervention results in earlier remission
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There are many paths to recovery
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There are numerous emerging and growing recovery support services
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Families suffer too – they need independent help and objective input
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Abstinence is not the only way to remission, but it is often the safest
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Substance use disorder is a disorder with a good prognosis
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Mutual-help groups such as AA are empirically supported
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Learn more on the topics above in the Fast Facts section of the Recovery Research Institute website.
Advances in brain science have transformed what we know about addiction and recovery. Find updates on how the brain is affected and how it adapts as recovery begins here.
If we want to end the stigma around addiction, we need to speak with a shared, respectful language. View the Addictionary from Recovery Research Institute website.
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