What term describes the resources and supports that sustain long-term recovery across social, economic, and life domains?

• A. Abstinence duration only.
• B. Clinical symptom reduction.
• C. Criminal justice involvement.
• D. Recovery capital.

Answer: (D)

Recovery capital is the resources and supports that sustain long-term recovery across social, economic, and life domains. It includes personal assets like motivation and coping skills, social networks such as family and peer support, and tangible resources like housing, employment, healthcare, and community services. This breadth matters because lasting recovery isn’t just about not using substances; it relies on a solid foundation of assets across everyday life—stability, connections, and access to care—that buffer against challenges and reduce relapse risk. In contrast, abstinence duration focuses only on time without use, clinical symptom reduction centers on symptoms rather than life context, and criminal justice involvement describes a barrier rather than a resource. When someone has stable housing, steady work, supportive relationships, and accessible recovery supports, their recovery capital grows and sustains recovery across the various areas of life.