Which characteristic of the recovery model promotes empowerment?

The characteristic of the recovery model that promotes empowerment is peer-led support systems. This approach is foundational to the recovery model as it emphasizes the importance of lived experience in the healing process. When individuals engage with peer-led support, they find themselves in an environment where they can relate to others who have faced similar challenges. This shared experience fosters a sense of belonging and validation, which is crucial for self-empowerment.

In peer-led systems, individuals are encouraged to take an active role in their recovery, fostering autonomy and personal responsibility. This contrasts with strict treatment protocols or professional-only interactions, where the focus might be more on authority and directives rather than collaboration and mutual support. Furthermore, minimal involvement of the individual would detract from the empowerment that comes from taking an active role in their recovery journey. Thus, peer-led support not only provides emotional and social support but also emphasizes the importance of individual strengths and choices, aligning perfectly with the principles of empowerment inherent in the recovery model.