What does the term "recovery capital" refer to?

The term "recovery capital" refers to the collection of assets and resources that support an individual's recovery process from substance use disorders and other behavioral health challenges. This concept encompasses various dimensions of support, including personal, social, and community resources. Personal recovery capital includes factors like coping skills, motivations, and mental resilience, while social recovery capital can include supportive relationships, community networks, and peer support groups. Community recovery capital pertains to the availability of services, programs, and resources in the wider environment that facilitate recovery.

Understanding recovery capital is crucial for peer recovery coaches as it helps identify strengths and areas for growth in their clients' recovery journeys. By focusing on building and utilizing an individual's recovery capital, peer recovery coaches can empower individuals to engage more fully in their recovery and enhance their long-term success. This holistic view of recovery capital aligns with the understanding that recovery is not solely dependent on treatment alone, but also on a broader array of supportive resources and assets that an individual can access and build on.