The Recovery Model

Recovery is achievable!

By Jeff Walter,
Rushford President & CEO

From the mundane to the profane, life is paved with obstacles. Unfortunately, the most difficult ones to navigate often appear when we are least equipped to handle them – as children and young adults. Physical and emotional abuse, exposure to drugs and alcohol, domestic violence and other traumatic events can haunt people throughout their adolescent and adult lives.

Although some overcome these obstacles on their own, many others need the support of family and friends as well as professional help to get their lives on track. Rushford' s Web site features stories about individuals who have transformed themselves by overcoming difficult, even tragic life circumstances (please see "Success Stories" under the Resources link).

The common thread in their stories is a remarkable drive and determination to achieve a fulfilling life. I applaud these individuals for facing and transcending their demons. Their stories help us understand that we need to be more optimistic about people who struggle with psychiatric and addictive disorders. Recovery is achievable. That is why Rushford’s behavioral health services focus on recovery, not just symptom relief.

In May 2004, our organization embarked on a year-long journey to educate staff and clients on a new recovery model. “The Year of Recovery” focused on nine dimensions of recovery: Supportive Relationships; Renewing Hope and Commitment; Finding Your Niche in the Community; Redefining Self; Incorporating Illness; Overcoming Stigma; Assuming Control; Managing Symptoms; and Becoming an Empowered Citizen.

“The Year of Recovery” was the beginning of an ongoing process of education and reassessment of our services to meet the challenges of a “recovery paradigm.” In this effort, we are reminded that the people we serve are much more than their diagnosis. They can and do lead productive lives, with relationships, hobbies, vocational goals and dreams.

We are learning that we can be more effective as professional helpers when we are guided by the needs and wishes of the whole person and his or her own recovery journey. Click on the image above to the left for the 2005-2006 Recovery Event schedule.