This white paper aims to help shift the substance use disorders treatment field from an acute care model of treatment to a chronic care approach, known as recovery-oriented systems of care. Its purposes are twofold:

(1) To describe our understanding of the present state of recovery support services.

(2) To lay a framework for future activities and products that will support the continuing development of recovery support services. This includes accessible services that engage and retain people seeking recovery; a continuum of services rather than crisis-oriented care; care that is age-and gender-appropriate and culturally competent; and where possible, care in the person’s community and home using natural supports.