Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC)

Currently, the acute-care model dominates substance abuse treatment practices, which focuses on short-term, uniform treatment, provided at a point of crisis for an individual. However, evidence implies that addiction is better characterized as a chronic rather than acute disorder, which requires long-term management and treatment. Based on this conclusion, Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) emerged.

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s 2005 National Summit on Recovery Conference Report defines ROSC as follows:
Recovery-oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) support person-centered and self-directed approaches to care that build on the strengths and resilience of individuals, families, and communities to take responsibility for their sustained health, wellness and recovery from alcohol and drug problems.

Through a focus on long-term and comprehensive care that is directed by an individual’s strengths and needs, ROSC promotes sustained addiction recovery. The Illinois Co-Occurring Center for Excellence is working to not only promote ROSC as the paramount addiction treatment model, but to also apply the Systems of Care Elements to co-occurring disorder treatment.

Additional References
White, William L. Recovery Management and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care: Scientific Rationale and Promising Practices. Northeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, Great Lakes Addiction Technology Center, and the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health/Mental Retardation Services, 2008.

For a definition of recovery and full list and description the Systems of Care Elements from the National Summit on Recovery Conference Report, click on the "Systems of Care Elements" link below.