Is recovery planning any different from treatment planning?

Using process evaluation data, this paper compares the "recovery" planning process of the social model programs with the "treatment" planning process in a comparison medical model program. We consider how the planning process is actually conducted, the role of staff versus clients in the planning process, and how the implementation of the planning process is monitored and evaluated at the programs. Results point to major differences in the actual process of treatment planning and recovery planning. Professional staff at medical model programs generally direct and control the planning process and its implementation. In social model programs, clients are directly responsible for developing their own recovery plans, within a context of help from peers and recovering staff; the latter oversee the process. We conclude that both treatment planning and recovery planning are distinct and defining features of medical and social model philosophies. Treatment planning in medical model programs and recovery planning in social model programs serve similar administrative and programmatic functions. However, the impact on patients/residents is likely to be significantly different. Recovery planning becomes a skill acquired by clients, part of the experiential education characterizing social model programs. Future research is needed to assess whether these planning skills actually aid social model clients in structuring a sober lifestyle in aftercare, and whether differences are obtained by the more passive client role in planning taken at the medical model program.