WakeUp Carolina is a 501c3 nonprofit recovery community organization (RCO). We complement substance abuse treatment centers, but we serve two distinct roles. At WakeUp Carolina, we provide:

1. Peer support and community connection: RCOs focus on providing peer support and fostering a sense of community among individuals in recovery. They create safe and supportive spaces where individuals with lived experiences of addiction can connect, share their stories, and support one another through the challenges of recovery. RCOs emphasize the power of peer relationships, mentorship, and shared understanding in promoting long-term recovery.
2. Advocacy and public awareness: RCOs often play a significant role in advocacy and public awareness efforts. They aim to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse and recovery, educate the community about addiction as a chronic condition, and advocate for policies that support prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. RCOs strive to change public perception, promote understanding, and influence systemic change to better support individuals in recovery.
3. Recovery support services: RCOs offer a range of recovery support services beyond clinical treatment. While treatment centers primarily focus on providing medical and therapeutic interventions, RCOs provide a broader scope of services that include recovery coaching, life skills training, educational programs, employment support, housing assistance, and social activities. These services are designed to help individuals in recovery rebuild their lives, develop coping skills, and integrate into the community.
4. Long-term recovery support: RCOs often serve as an ongoing resource for individuals in recovery beyond the initial treatment phase. They recognize that recovery is a lifelong journey and provide ongoing support, encouragement, and relapse prevention strategies to sustain long-term recovery. RCOs create a network of support and resources to address the challenges and celebrate the successes of individuals at various stages of recovery.
5. Community engagement and volunteering: RCOs actively engage with the community and promote volunteerism as a means of personal growth and giving back. They encourage individuals in recovery to become involved in community service, advocacy efforts, and peer leadership roles. By engaging in these activities, individuals not only contribute to their own recovery but also work towards reducing stigma and making a positive impact in the larger community.

It’s important to note that while RCOs provide valuable services and support, we do not offer clinical treatment or medical interventions. WakeUp Carolina is not a substance abuse treatment center. We do NOT provide:

1. Clinical treatment and therapy: Substance abuse treatment centers provide structured clinical treatment programs led by healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, therapists, and counselors. They offer various evidence-based interventions, such as detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, individual counseling, group therapy, and specialized programs tailored to specific substance use disorders. Treatment centers focus on addressing the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction through professional therapeutic interventions.
2. Medical supervision and monitoring: Treatment centers provide medical supervision and monitoring, particularly during detoxification or inpatient/residential treatment programs. Medical professionals ensure the safe withdrawal from substances, manage any potential health complications, and monitor individuals’ progress throughout their treatment journey. This level of medical oversight may not be provided by RCOs.
3. Dual diagnosis treatment: Substance abuse treatment centers often specialize in addressing co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions, alongside substance use disorders. They integrate mental health services, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management into their treatment programs, aiming to address the complex interplay between addiction and mental health.
4. Structured programming and curriculum: Treatment centers typically offer structured programming with a curriculum designed to address the specific needs of individuals in treatment. They provide a comprehensive framework that includes assessments, treatment planning, and progression through different phases of care, ensuring a systematic approach to recovery. Treatment centers often follow evidence-based models and modalities tailored to specific populations or treatment goals.
5. Detoxification and stabilization: Treatment centers offer medically supervised detoxification services to help individuals safely withdraw from substances and manage withdrawal symptoms. They provide a supportive and monitored environment to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of individuals during this critical phase of treatment. RCOs may not have the resources or capacity to provide this level of medical oversight.
6. Individualized treatment planning: Treatment centers conduct thorough assessments and create individualized treatment plans based on a person’s specific needs and circumstances. These plans consider factors such as the severity of addiction, co-occurring disorders, medical history, and personal goals. The treatment approach is tailored to address these unique factors and may include a combination of therapies, medication, counseling, and other interventions.
7. Accreditation and licensing: Substance abuse treatment centers are subject to specific regulations, licensing requirements, and accreditation processes to ensure they meet quality standards and provide evidence-based care. They adhere to legal and ethical guidelines and may be certified by organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or accredited by bodies like the Joint Commission.

It’s important to recognize that treatment centers and RCOs often collaborate and work together to provide comprehensive support for individuals in recovery. Both play critical roles in supporting individuals in their journey toward sustained recovery.