Recovery Capital

"In this context, “recovery capital“ is the sum of personal and social resources at one’s disposal for addressing drug dependence and, chiefly, bolstering one’s capacity and opportunities for recovery” (Cloud and Granfield, 2001).

"Recovery capital can be used as a tool for drug dependence treatment professionals practitioners, to identify the strengths of their clients, support them in building up and maintaining a sustainable livelihood, while looking holistically at all domains of life. This approach meets individuals 'where they are' and supports them along the continuum of treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

"Building recovery capital is a strengths-based approach. It involves identifying and building upon the client’s major personal and social assets, which may have been developed earlier in life or are newly acquired. These assets can support treatment engagement and enhance motivation for treatment, the treatment process and ongoing recovery from drug dependence problems.

"The eight domains of recovery capital identified by the Treatnet working group (shown in Figure III) are:
"1) Physical and mental health;
"2) Family, social supports, and leisure activities;
"3) Safe housing and healthy environments;
"4) Peer-based support;
"5) Employment and resolution of legal issues;
"6) Vocational skills and educational development;
"7) Community integration and cultural support; and
"8) (Re)discovering meaning and purpose in life.

"A lack of such assets could hamper the recovery process and desired outcomes."