What is Recovery?
Recovery is the process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives and strive to reach their full potential.
Four areas that support life in recovery are:
- Health – Overcoming a substance use disorder means making informed, healthy choices that support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Home – Having a stable, safe and recovery-friendly place to live.
- Purpose – Conducting meaningful daily activities, such as working, volunteering, taking care of family or having creative endeavors – as well as the independence and resources that enable an individual to participate in society.
- Community – Having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope.
Living in Recovery
Recovery from a substance use disorder (i.e., alcohol and other drug addiction) is a complex process that can range from intensive behavioral changes through specific addictions treatment to engagement in community-based support. Benefits from recovery are linked to improved physical, mental, and social health.
Recovery Resources
No matter where you are in the recovery process, maintaining this type of progress can be challenging, and support is essential. Visit Embrace Recovery SC for information, resources, and support groups across South Carolina that can help with the recovery process.
Collegiate Recovery Programs
A collegiate recovery program (CRP) is a college- or university-provided initiative that includes a supportive environment within the campus culture. CRPs reinforce the decision to engage in a lifestyle of recovery from a substance use disorder and are designed to provide an educational opportunity alongside recovery supports to ensure that students do not have to sacrifice one for the other.
In South Carolina, CRPs can be found at the Allen University, College of Charleston, Greenville Technical College, and the University of South Carolina.
FAVOR SC
Faces and Voices of Recovery South Carolina (FAVOR SC) is an organization that supports and advocates for South Carolinians in recovery. Among its many efforts, FAVOR SC provides free recovery coaching by volunteer Certified Peer Support Specialists.
Coaching is available by:
- Peer recovery group meetings
- Telephone recovery support
- Recovery-oriented systems of care
For more information on FAVOR SC and/or to find a recovery coach near you, visit
Recovery Housing
Recovery residences are safe, healthy, family-like substance-free living environments that support individuals in recovery from addiction.
As directed by Act 160 of 2024, DAODAS has approved the S.C. Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR) to develop and administer a voluntary certification program for organizations operating recovery houses. For information on houses certified by SCARR, click here.
For information on South Carolina residences operated by Oxford House Inc., click here.
To apply for financial assistance in obtaining stable recovery housing, click here. NOTE: The Recovery Housing Program has been paused as DAODAS awaits notice of additional funding from Congress. Up-to-date information will be posted here. Please check back for additional guidance, or e-mail housing@daodas.sc.gov. (1/16/2024)
If you are a veteran who needs financial assistance in obtaining stable recovery housing, click here.
