Resources for Building Compassionate and Inclusive Recovery Systems 

Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process—it is dynamic, multifaceted, and deeply individual. To truly support individuals on their recovery journey, practitioners must access tools, systems, and knowledge that reflect the realities of those they serve. This curated collection of resources provides insight into global frameworks, gender-responsive care, and emerging technologies that are reshaping the future of addiction recovery. Whether you're a clinician, nurse, advocate, or policymaker, these materials are designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact. 

A Global Perspective on Strengthening Recovery Systems 

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. For people to truly rebuild their lives after substance use, they need more than just treatment, they need long-term, consistent support  provided through systems  sufficiently oriented around the complexity of recovery. These systems incorporate  trained professionals, supportive communities, responsive healthcare, and policies geared towards creating safe and recovery-friendly environments.  

The webinar and Knowledge Share posts below present some strategies for how we can build stronger foundations for recovery through a global network anchored in best practice, and integrated care models. 

• Building Bridges: Enhancing Global Recovery Systems 
  This webinar, conducted by ISSUP as part of activities commemorating the International Recovery Day 2025, explores recovery through a strengths-based lens, addresses common barriers with expert strategies, and examines the systemic changes needed at organisational and policy levels to better support recovery efforts globally. 

• Integrated Recovery-Oriented Nursing (IRON) Care Model 
  This article presents a theoretical framework known as the IRON model: Integrated & Individualised Care, Recovery-Oriented Principles & Resilience Building, Ongoing Support & Outcome-Driven Practice, and Nursing Excellence & Nurturing Therapeutic Alliance. It is seen as a comprehensive, person-centred framework that guides addiction nursing through holistic assessment, empowerment, continuity of care, and evidence-based, compassionate practice. 

• Global Recovery Network Charter  
  This draft document presents a visionary framework for international partnership in recovery advocacy, with emphasis on peer networks, system reform, and knowledge-sharing. 

Women in The Journey of Recovery  

Women face unique and often overlooked challenges in their recovery journeys. These include social stigma, trauma histories, caregiving responsibilities, and a lack of gender-responsive services. Mothers, in particular, may struggle to find programmes that allow them to heal while maintaining their role as caregivers. Effective treatment and recovery programmes for women must be built on trust, safety, empowerment, and family inclusion.  

The resources in this section highlight the importance of tailoring services to women’s needs by listening to their stories, offering trauma-informed care, and supporting both individual and family healing. 

• Women’s Substance Use Treatment and Recovery: A Review of the Literature  
  This comprehensive review developed by the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health synthesises literature on gender-specific approaches, emphasising trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and family-focused care for women in recovery. 

• Maternity and Recovery: Experiences of a Residential Facility for Pregnant Women and/or Women with their Children in Argentina. 
  This webinar conducted by ISSUP Argentina in Spanish, highlights the importance of services that support pregnant women and mothers in residential care, promoting dignity, autonomy, and maternal bonding during recovery. 

• Global Perspectives on Recovery: Evidence-Based Practices and Women’s Lived Experiences 
  This webinar, conducted by ISSUP Botswana and ISSUP India, explores how women’s personal recovery stories, peer-based support, and gendered service delivery, enhanced treatment effectiveness and sustained recovery. 

Innovation in Recovery: Technology and Artificial Intelligence 

As the world becomes more digitally connected, technology is starting to play a bigger role in how we support people in recovery. Tools like AI-powered chatbots, mobile apps, and virtual assistants can offer guidance, check-ins, and emotional support at any time of day, especially for people who may feel isolated or unable to access traditional services. While these tools are not a replacement for human connection, they can complement existing care, help people stay engaged, and make recovery support more available and less stigmatised. The following resource introduces how AI is being used in real-world addiction recovery settings. 

• The Use of AI in the Treatment of Addictions  
  This resource highlights emerging AI tools like the RAY chatbot, which provide motivational support, psychoeducation, and practical advice in real-time—especially useful for those facing stigma or rural isolation. 

As recovery support continues to evolve, so must our approaches as practitioners. These resources emphasise the value of person-centred, inclusive, and technology-enhanced care, while reminding us that lasting recovery is built not only through service, but enhanced through compassion, empowerment, and connection. By engaging with these tools and perspectives, professionals can contribute to more equitable, effective, and resilient recovery systems worldwide.