Not sure where to begin? A peer recovery specialist can help you or a loved one take the next step, often free or low cost.
Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) are grassroots, nonprofit organizations where trained peers — people with lived experience in recovery — help others find support, connection, and practical resources. Built by and for people in recovery, RCOs emphasize multiple pathways to recovery, nonjudgmental support, and individualized approaches to healing.
RCOs are helping reshape the recovery landscape by expanding access to peer-led support, strengthening community connections, and filling critical gaps between treatment, recovery, and everyday life.
Most RCOs offer safe, welcoming drop-in spaces that meet people where they are in their recovery journey. Through fellowship, connection, and community-based support, they help reduce isolation and foster long-term recovery.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) — trained individuals with lived experience — are central to RCO services. They provide non-clinical, person-centered support and are knowledgeable about local and statewide resources. Support may include help with:
Collectively, these services are often referred to as wraparound support because they address whole person needs, not just substance use. RCOs typically serve adults (18+), though many also offer services or referrals for youth, young adults, and family members. Services vary by location.
More than 600 RCOs and similar peer-led entities operate nationwide. Similar types of organizations, with their own variations, are known as Recovery Resource Centers, Recovery-Centered Organizations, Peer Recovery Centers, and more. They are grounded in the same peer-driven, community-based mission.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialists titles and licensing requirements often vary by state.
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