Healing & Community Support • Evidence & sources
The philosophy is values-led and evidence-minded.
Brave Harbor’s public language and scope are informed by official guidance on stigma, person-first language, multiple pathways, treatment choice, peer support, and medical safety.
NIDA: Words Matter—Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction
Person-first language and terms to use or avoid to reduce stigma.
Open official source →NIDA: Words Matter for Health Professionals
Provider guidance on person-first language and stigma.
Open official source →SAMHSA: About Recovery
Recovery is highly personal and can occur through many pathways.
Open official source →SAMHSA: Working Definition of Recovery
Person-driven, self-directed recovery principles.
Open official source →NIAAA: Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Behavioral treatment, medications, mutual-support groups, and patient choice for alcohol use disorder.
Open official source →NIAAA: MET, CBT, and Twelve-Step Facilitation
Overview of evidence-based behavioral approaches for alcohol use disorder.
Open official source →NIDA: Treatment and Recovery
Overview of behavioral therapies, medications, and continuing support.
Open official source →NIDA: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment
Research-based principles including behavioral therapy and medication.
Open official source →NIAAA: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Includes warning that alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Open official source →ASSMCA: Línea PAS
Puerto Rico 24/7 crisis intervention and support information.
Open official source →How Brave Harbor uses evidence
We use authoritative guidance to reduce stigmatizing public language, respect self-direction, present multiple evidence-based treatment options, maintain clinical boundaries, and recognize when professional or emergency care is necessary.
How Brave Harbor does not use evidence
We do not use scientific language to imply that Navigators are therapists, that SAILS is a validated psychotherapy, that peer support treats a diagnosis, or that one personal pathway should be universalized.
Ongoing review
Public claims, safety language, referrals, and training materials should be reviewed regularly and, where appropriate, by qualified clinical, legal, privacy, and safeguarding professionals.