WakeUp Carolina is a 501c3 nonprofit recovery community organization (RCO).
At WakeUp Carolina, we provide:
- Peer support and community connection: WakeUp Carolina focuses on providing peer support and fostering a sense of community among individuals in recovery. We create safe and supportive spaces where individuals impacted by substance use can connect, share their stories, and support one another through the challenges of recovery. We offer substance related grief support and family support services to help loved ones navigate their own recovery journey. We emphasize the power of peer relationships, mentorship, and shared understanding in promoting long-term recovery.
- Advocacy and public awareness: We are active in advocacy and public awareness efforts. We aim to reduce the negative perceptions associated with substance use and recovery, educate the community about addiction as a chronic health condition, and advocate for policies that support prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. We work to change public understanding and influence systemic change to better support people in recovery.
- Recovery support services: Recovery Support Services (RSS) are non-clinical services that play a crucial role in helping individuals and families recover from substance use challenges and other related issues. Unlike clinical treatment, which focuses on diagnosis and medical intervention, RSS provides practical, emotional, and social support to facilitate long-term recovery and improved quality of life.
- Long-term recovery support: Long-term recovery support refers to the ongoing, continuous efforts and resources that help individuals sustain their recovery from substance use disorders over an extended period. It moves beyond the initial, intensive phases of treatment (like detox and residential rehab) and focuses on building a fulfilling and stable life in the community.
- Community engagement and volunteering: Community engagement and volunteering are core functions of our community and are vital to our mission.
RCOs are unique because they are led by people with lived experience in recovery and their allies. Our approach is not just about providing services but about building a vibrant, supportive community that empowers individuals to lead full and purposeful lives.
WakeUp Carolina and other RCOs are a vital part of the recovery ecosystem, but we are not a substitute for clinical care. RCOs are non-clinical, meaning we do not provide medical or formal therapeutic services. These services are typically delivered by licensed professionals in a healthcare setting.
Here are examples of clinical services for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) that RCOs do not offer:
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): The prescription and administration of FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders.
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Medical Detoxification: Medically supervised withdrawal from substances in an inpatient or outpatient setting to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
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Formal Diagnosis and Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation by a licensed physician, psychiatrist, or counselor to diagnose a substance use disorder and create a formal treatment plan.
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Inpatient and Residential Treatment: 24/7 care in a residential facility or hospital, which includes a structured schedule of therapy, counseling, and medical supervision.
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Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs): Structured, multi-hour treatment that occurs several days a week but allows the individual to live at home.
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Licensed Therapy and Counseling: One-on-one or group counseling provided by a licensed therapist, psychologist, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor to address underlying mental health issues, trauma, or other contributing factors.