Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Practice Exam

What is one of the key differences between maintenance-based and recovery-oriented systems?

1. Focus on team vs. individual work

2. Illness-based vs. recovery-oriented

3. Profit vs. nonprofit approach

4. Short-term vs. long-term support

The correct answer is: Illness-based vs. recovery-oriented

The distinction between maintenance-based and recovery-oriented systems of care primarily lies in their foundational philosophies regarding how they view mental health and substance use challenges. A recovery-oriented system emphasizes a person’s ability to lead a fulfilling life beyond their diagnoses, fostering resilience, empowerment, and personal growth. This approach focuses on the individual's journey toward recovery and seeks to develop their strengths, rather than solely managing symptoms of an illness. In contrast, a maintenance-based system often concentrates on the ongoing management of symptoms and the stabilization of conditions, viewing the individual primarily through the lens of their illness. This system may focus more on prescribing medications or treatments aimed at maintaining a certain level of stability rather than encouraging personal development and recovery. The other options represent different aspects that don’t encapsulate the core difference between these two systems as effectively. Team versus individual work refers more to the approach or structure of support rather than the underlying philosophy. The profit versus nonprofit distinction deals with financial structure instead of treatment philosophy, while the short-term versus long-term support aspect speaks to the duration of care, which does not address the fundamental differences in perspectives between maintenance and recovery systems.