The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a working definition and set of principles for recovery. Recovery is defined as: "A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential."

Through recovery support programs and services, COSA-NCADD strives to do the following: enrich and enhance lives, help save lives by reducing barriers to healthy choices, and provide education/support to individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), their families and the community as a whole.

Explore Our Service Areas

COSA-NCADD’s Recovery Support Services Department serves people with a history of alcohol and SUDs who are in or seeking recovery, along with their family members and significant others. COSA-NCADD believes the following four major dimensions support a life of recovery

Health

Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms to make informed, healthy choices supporting their physical and emotional well-being

Home

Having a stable and safe place to live

Purpose

Participating in meaningful daily activities, (i.e. employment, school, volunteer opportunities, creative endeavors), while having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society

Community

Enjoying relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope

About Our Services

The Council on Substance Abuse recognizes the IOM model and utilizes it throughout our prevention and recovery practices. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Classification System, often referred to as a continuum of services, care, or prevention, classifies prevention interventions according to their target population.

Classification by population provides clarity to differing objectives of various interventions and matches the objectives to the needs of the target population. The Council on Substance Abuse prevention and recovery departments work together to ensure that our communities are being served according to these strategies (Include IOM Model)