Every state in the nation is searching for ways to mitigate the substance use crisis. While the primary focus of state efforts is often on saving people’s lives by increasing access to evidence-based substance use treatment, it is also essential to invest in services that support people in sustaining their recovery. Among recovery-oriented services are recovery community centers (RCCs). These centers are physical spaces where people with lived experience of recovery engage others seeking recovery to find strength in community, help them navigate the health care and social service systems, and celebrate their accomplishments. Many state Medicaid programs reimburse for recovery support services, such as peer support services that are delivered in RCCs.

The Better Care Playbook spoke with Michael Askew, Deputy Director of the Office of Recovery at the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to learn more about the role of RCCs in the lives of people with substance use disorder and across the continuum of other addiction care services. Michael managed an RCC for 11 years and is a prominent recovery advocate with more than 30 years of experience. He also identifies as a person in recovery.