Young People in Recovery-SF

Who are we and what is our goal?

YPR envisions a world where everyone can access the necessary resources to recover from substance use disorder.

Young People in Recovery (YPR) provides the training and networks all individuals, families, and communities need to recover and maximize their full potential. YPR accomplishes this through chapters, programs and advocacy efforts.

YPR was founded in 2010 by a group of young people (aged 18-30) in recovery who wanted to help others. Our programs were designed for young people but serve individuals of every age. YPR chapters are usually led by a young person in recovery but older individuals in recovery, family members of young people in recovery, and others who care about these issues have also started chapters in their communities and are encouraged to get involved.

Once a person leaves treatment, there is no single peer provider of aftercare support, particularly for people who may be going back to the same family, school, social group and environment where their addiction first took root. Furthermore, continued stigma about substance use disorder and a lack of coordinated aftercare options such as life skills education and alternative peer groups means that youth, and individuals of all ages, continue to face significant obstacles to sustained recovery even after they exit treatment.

Without access to aftercare support services like those provided by Young People in Recovery, youth, young adults, and also older adults in recovery from substance use disorder are likely to relapse, risking injury, disease, incarceration, and even death. A lack of funding for recovery support services means that people don't have adequate opportunities to continue or complete their educations, find gainful employment, or access housing that supports their recovery from drugs and alcohol.

YPR aims to fill this gap and provide a more integrated and recovery-oriented system of aftercare. Our national leadership team creates and cultivates local community-led chapters through grassroots organizing and training. Chapters support young people in or seeking recovery by empowering them to obtain stable employment, secure suitable housing, and explore continuing education. Chapters also advocate on the local and state levels for better accessibility of these services and other effective recovery resources.