CRSS Principles of Recovery 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to SAMHSA, which of the following best describes a 'pathway to recovery'?
- A single evidence-based clinical protocol
- One of many approaches individuals use to address substance use or mental health challenges (Correct answer)
- A step-by-step program with fixed milestones
- A medically supervised detoxification process
Correct answer: One of many approaches individuals use to address substance use or mental health challenges
SAMHSA recognizes multiple pathways to recovery, acknowledging that no single approach works for everyone.
Question 2: The concept of 'recovery capital' refers to:
- Financial assets available for treatment costs
- The breadth and depth of internal and external resources available to initiate and sustain recovery (Correct answer)
- Government funding for recovery programs
- Capital punishment reform in drug policy
Correct answer: The breadth and depth of internal and external resources available to initiate and sustain recovery
Recovery capital encompasses personal, family, social, and community resources that support an individual's recovery journey.
Question 3: Which guiding principle of recovery emphasizes that individuals have the authority to choose among a range of options and to accept or decline support?
- Holistic
- Person-driven (Correct answer)
- Non-linear
- Strength-based
Correct answer: Person-driven
The person-driven principle affirms that individuals have the right to self-determination in their own recovery process.
Question 4: A Recovery Support Specialist is speaking with a client who says they've relapsed after six months of sobriety. The most recovery-aligned response is:
- Tell them they must restart their program from day one
- Acknowledge the relapse as a potential part of the non-linear recovery process and explore what they need (Correct answer)
- Refer them immediately to inpatient treatment
- Discourage them from sharing this with their support group
Correct answer: Acknowledge the relapse as a potential part of the non-linear recovery process and explore what they need
Recovery is often non-linear, and relapse can be part of the process; supporting the individual means helping them reassess needs without shame.
Question 5: Which of SAMHSA's four major dimensions of recovery addresses stable housing and meaningful daily activities?
- Health
- Home and Purpose (Correct answer)
- Community
- Hope
Correct answer: Home and Purpose
SAMHSA's 'Home' and 'Purpose' dimensions cover stable housing and meaningful daily roles such as work, school, or caregiving.
Question 6: The strength-based approach in recovery support primarily focuses on:
- Identifying and cataloging all past failures
- Leveraging an individual's existing abilities and resources to promote growth (Correct answer)
- Assessing clinical diagnoses before providing support
- Defining recovery goals based on the specialist's professional judgment
Correct answer: Leveraging an individual's existing abilities and resources to promote growth
A strengths-based approach builds on what individuals already do well and the resources they already have, rather than focusing on deficits.
Question 7: Peer support in recovery is considered valuable primarily because:
- Peers can provide clinical diagnoses at lower cost
- Shared lived experience creates credibility, hope, and a unique understanding that professionals may not offer (Correct answer)
- Peers are legally required to be involved in all recovery plans
- Peer support replaces the need for professional treatment
Correct answer: Shared lived experience creates credibility, hope, and a unique understanding that professionals may not offer
Lived experience gives peer supporters credibility and allows them to offer hope and connection in ways that differ from clinical relationships.
CRSS Principles of Recovery 2
According to SAMHSA, which of the following best describes a 'pathway to recovery'?