The Community as Patient: Recovery-focused Community Mobilization in Philadelphia, PA (USA), 2005–2012

Abstract

The concept of recovery within the addictions arena has historically referred to the resolution of severe alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems at a personal or family level. Larger social systems can also be wounded by and experience recovery from the prolonged effects of AODs and related problems. This article explores the concept of community recovery, posits a set of preliminary principles related to community recovery, presents a case study of community recovery, and outlines current strategies used in the City of Philadelphia to promote processes of community recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• Recovery management
• recovery-oriented systems of care
• community recovery capital
• community recovery
• recovery support services

Notes

Support for the development of this article was provided by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services.