The 2025 CARS Recovery Community Needs Assessment Report provides deep insights into the current challenges, strengths, and priorities of the addiction recovery support field. Led by the Center for Addiction Recovery Support (CARS) and guided by individuals with lived experience, this report is based on responses from over 700 peer professionals, organizational leaders, and recovery advocates from across the United States.

The report identifies where training, technical assistance, and systemic support are most needed—and how CARS is using these findings to drive recovery support forward.

This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for building and sustaining collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) across a wide range of campus settings. Getting Started: What You Need to Know About Building a Collegiate Recovery Program highlights the critical role of peer support, institutional commitment, and culturally responsive recovery spaces in supporting student success. The updated 2025 edition includes insights, strategies, and a new addendum tailored to the unique needs of community colleges and technical schools—reinforcing our shared vision of recovery-ready campuses nationwide.