Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Recovery Iowa FAQ page. Whether you’re a student, family member, professional, or community partner, you might have questions about recovery and how to access support. This page provides clear answers to some of the most common questions about recovery, resources, and building supportive networks across Iowa.
Terminology
| Term | Definition | Example / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | A process of improving health and wellness, living a self-directed life, and reaching full potential. | Recovery can include abstinence or other strategies depending on the individual. |
| Peer Support Specialist | A trained individual with lived recovery experience who provides guidance and mentorship. | Often works in recovery centers, hospitals, or community programs. |
| Recovery Community Organization (RCO) | A nonprofit or community-led organization supporting recovery through peer support, advocacy, and education. | Example: local recovery drop-in center. |
| Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) | College-based programs supporting students in recovery with peer groups, workshops, and substance-free housing. | CRPs help students maintain academic and personal success while in recovery. |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | Using medications plus counseling/therapy to treat substance use disorders. | Medications include buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. |
| Sober / Substance-Free | Abstaining from alcohol or drugs. | Can be total abstinence or abstaining from certain substances under a treatment plan. |
| Trigger | A person, place, situation, or feeling that increases the likelihood of substance use. | Identifying triggers helps with prevention. |
| Recovery Capital | Internal and external resources that support sustaining recovery. | Includes social support, education, employment, and health. |
| Sobriety / Abstinence | Refraining from alcohol and/or drug use. | Sobriety is one path to recovery, but recovery is broader than just abstinence. |