Recovery Capital
“We share this article on Recovery Capital ~ including data driven observations and conclusions by Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, SC”
~Nick Wildrick, Co-Founder & Executive Director of GoForth Recovery Program.
Two types of programs serve the most challenging portion of our population. The first are short-term programs that address daily needs and crisis management. These include emergency medical and mental health treatment and programs that provide necessities such as food, clothing, and temporary shelter. While these programs are vital to the welfare of these individuals, they primarily treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problem.
The second is long-term programs that take a holistic view of the problem and work to resolve its underlying causes. These programs first address the primary needs of the individual by creating a treatment plan that eliminates the negative influences on a person and then builds on a person’s community assets to secure what I call recovery capital. It is this capital that allows a person to become a productive member of the community.
Below is an example of how the GoForth program uses both public and private assets to help individuals build their own recovery capital.
GoForth Recovery Assets
- Leadership
- Peer Support Specialist
- Trauma Informed Care
- Housing
- Transportation
- Individual Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Mentors
PROFESSIONAL ASSETS
Address the physical and mental issues by providing reliable access to resources
- Primary Care Doctors
- Mental Health Specialist
- Dental Care
COMMUNITY ASSETS
Address issues that are affecting job placement
- Vital Records
- DMV
- Legal Services
- Credit Score
- Family Services
PERSONAL ASSETS
Build independent Recovery Capital
- Personal Vehicle
- Independent Housing
- Career
- Health Insurance
- Retirement
- Advancement
PERSONAL ASSETS
Move to independent living while maintaining their connection to others.
- Family
- Children
- Church
- Community
- Recovery
- Volunteer
Once an individual has left the program, we survey them to see which of the highlighted assets. The results of this survey answer two important questions: First is that it shows how well a person is doing living independently. Secondly, these surveys show how important Recovery Capital is.
VCOM – Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Research
“It has been well established that there are many risk factors that put an individual at greater risk of developing a substance use disorder and protective factors that help increase resilience and prevent the onset of these disorders. Through our research, we have also learned that there are similar risk and protective factors that can help predict an individual’s success in recovery.
Recovery capital is the collection of one’s resources that contribute to the initiation and maintenance of sobriety. Results of our recent study have indicated that those who graduated successfully from GoForth reported more recovery capital compared to those who were dismissed or unfortunately passed away. Data shows us that it is the culminate amount of recovery capital rather than specific resources that impact outcomes the most. Therefore, by equipping those working through recovery with as many personal, professional, and community assets is critical. “This comprehensive approach builds resilience, confidence, and self-love, along with reducing barriers that can create stress and hopelessness in the recovery battle” ~Alexis Stoner, PhD, MA, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, SC.