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6. GENERAL DISCUSSION 6.1. INTRODUCTION Recovery approach originates from 12-step fellowship (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), but it is widely used as a guiding principle in the mental health treatment as well (Jacobson g Curtis, 2000; Laudet, 2007; Lipczynska, 2011). The spread of the approach is due to deinstitutionalization movement which is based on the fact that a person with several mental issues wants and needs more than just a symptom relief (Anthony, 1993). The elements of the recovery process (according to the recovery approach) are building a strong and positive identity, agency, finding meaningful roles, social integration, hope and focusing on the future could help overcome multiple problems and moving towards something more a positive, meaningful life (Terry & Cardwell, 2015). Although, the recovery approach gives an opportunity to a wide range of people to find their personal and suitable way of managing multiple problems many concerns about the approach have appeared. For example “recovery is old”, “it adds to the burden of mental health professionals’, “recovery happens » cr for very few people”, “this is an irresponsible fad”, “it happens only after and a result of an active treatment’, “it can be implemented only through the introduction of new services’, “recovery-oriented services are not evidence-based’, “recovery approach devalues the role of professional intervention’, and “it increases providers’ exposure to risk and liability” (Davidson, Oconnell, Tondora, Styron, & Kangas, 2006, p. 642). Nevertheless, in the USA, the recovery approach has become a legitimate part of treatment in the mental health system. A turnabout in attitudes came as a result of deinitialization, consumer movement and self-help activities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999.). Self-help activities in Hungary are in infancy that is why the importance of scientific research on recovery is outstanding. It could legitimate its existence in mental health, addiction, and psychiatric treatment by outlining the experiences of individuals who can be considered as “evidence” for the effectiveness of the recovery approach (e.g.: “Dont tell me that recovery is not evidence based. I’m the evidence.” - Woman with serious mental illness, see: Davidson et al., 2006, p. 640).
