Building Strength for Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a journey, and having the right support can make all the difference.
That’s where recovery capital comes in. Recovery capital is a way to measure the total resources a person has to help them find and maintain recovery from addiction. Think of it as three different “accounts” to fill with positive things. The more you have in these accounts, the easier your recovery journey becomes.
The first account is personal capital. This includes things like your health, having a job, financial stability, mental well-being, and even basic needs like food and transportation.
For example, having a steady job or attending therapy regularly adds “deposits” to your personal capital account. On the other hand, things like losing a job, poor mental health, or not having access to food and shelter can take away from this account, making recovery more challenging.
The second account is social capital, which involves your relationships with others. Family and friends who support your recovery, being part of a positive peer group, or participating in activities like school, work, or volunteering can help build up this account.
These relationships provide the emotional support needed to stay on track. But not all relationships are positive. Keeping in touch with people who are still using drugs or alcohol can take away from this account and make recovery harder.
The third account is community capital, which includes the larger support systems around you. Access to recovery programs, support groups, recovery housing, and treatment centers are all examples of community capital.
These resources provide guidance and encouragement as you work through your recovery. However, if you don’t have access to these kinds of resources, it can be harder to stay in recovery.
Recovery capital helps people figure out where they need the most support. Everyone’s journey in recovery is different, and some people may need extra help to build up their recovery capital. For example, someone with low personal capital might need more help finding a job or getting healthcare, while someone with low social capital might need support in building positive relationships.
Think of these accounts like financial accounts—just as you need deposits to stay in the green, recovery capital can be invested in or depleted. Regular deposits such as therapy, employment, or positive relationships strengthen each area. Deductions, like losing a job or staying connected with substance-using friends, deplete the accounts, making recovery more difficult.
By understanding and building up personal, social, and community recovery capital, individuals can strengthen their chances of success. Recovery is possible and with the right resources and support, a healthier, happier future is within reach.
