North Carolina Recovery Houses & Sober Living: Resources & Directory
Find sober living and recovery residence resources for North Carolina: when state licensing does and doesn't apply, the North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR), fair housing protections, and statewide help lines and recovery organizations. Browse the guide below or choose your county.
None for housing-only homes. The NCDHHS Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) licenses only facilities that provide mental health or substance use services
State license
Not required for sober living that provides housing only (G.S. 122C-3 defines licensable facilities)
Voluntary certification
North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
Fair housing
Complaints go to the NC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Civil Rights Division or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Step by step
How to open a recovery house or sober living home in North Carolina
North Carolina has no state license or certification for sober living homes or recovery residences that offer housing only. To open one, make sure the home doesn't provide a service that needs a state facility license, check your city or county zoning rules, know your fair housing protections, write your house policies, and consider voluntary standards from the North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR).
The steps most new operators follow to open a recovery house in North Carolina, in order. Each one links to the official form or rule behind it.
1
Make sure the home is housing only
State requirement
A sober living home that provides housing only needs no state license. If the home will provide mental health or substance use services on site, as day services of three hours or more or residential services of 24 hours or more, it may be a licensable facility under G.S. 122C-3, licensed by the DHSR Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section.
Check zoning and occupancy with your city or county
Local requirement
Call the local planning or zoning office before you sign a lease or buy. Ask how the property is zoned for group living, how many unrelated residents can live there, and which building and fire codes apply.
The federal Fair Housing Act bars disability discrimination in housing and bars local governments from using zoning to exclude group homes for people with disabilities, including people in recovery. Complaints go to the NC Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division or to HUD.
Decide whether the home will be peer-run or have a house manager or staff. NCARR uses NARR's four recovery residence levels of support, and Oxford House charters self-run homes with no house manager.
Put house rules, drug and alcohol testing, relapse, medication, guest, and refund policies in writing, and have each resident sign an agreement before moving in. NARR's standards and code of ethics are a useful model.
Complete NCARR's membership form with your program details. Member homes appear on NCARR's public list by level of support, pay yearly dues, and agree to NCARR's grievance process.
Post crisis resources in the house, including 988 and the NC Peer Warmline, and build relationships with treatment and recovery support organizations in your county.
Confirm the home won't provide licensable treatment services on site
Call your city or county zoning office about group living rules
Ask which building and fire codes apply to the house
Read the federal and state fair housing protections
Choose your level of support and staffing
Write house rules and drug testing, relapse, medication, and refund policies
Set up a signed resident agreement and grievance process
Submit NCARR's membership form
Budget for NCARR's yearly dues
Post 988 and the NC Peer Warmline in the house
Free launch consult
Opening your first house?
Talk it through with an operator for 30 minutes. We’ll go over your model, zoning, policies, and the license or certification you need, and you’ll leave with a clear next-step checklist.
North Carolina does not license non-clinical recovery housing. The Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) licenses only facilities that provide mental health, developmental disability, or substance use services, as defined in G.S. 122C-3. Membership in the North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), is voluntary.
State requirements, local requirements, and voluntary certification are labeled separately. Confirm how they apply to your home with the agency or qualified counsel.
State requirement
No state license for sober living homes in North Carolina
North Carolina has no state license, certification, or registration for recovery housing that provides housing only. A state license is needed only when the home provides a licensable mental health, developmental disability, or substance use service. G.S. 122C-3 defines a licensable facility as one for two or more adults that provides those services as day services of three hours or more in a 24-hour period, or residential services of 24 consecutive hours or more. The Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section licenses and inspects those facilities.
Cities and counties set their own zoning, occupancy, and code rules for group living. Check with your local planning or zoning office before you sign a lease. The federal Fair Housing Act protects people with disabilities, including people in recovery, from discriminatory housing and land-use decisions. Housing discrimination complaints can go to the Civil Rights Division of the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), which handles the State Fair Housing Act (G.S. Chapter 41A), or to HUD.
The North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) is the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). Membership is voluntary and holds homes to NARR standards and NCARR's code of ethics. NCARR lists member homes by level of support, from Level 1 to Level 4, collects yearly dues, and takes grievances about member homes.
Recovery houses and sober living by county in North Carolina
8 NCARR member recovery residences appear on public lists in 6 of North Carolina’s 100 counties (checked October 1, 2026).
Choose a county to see how many recovery houses appear on public licensing and certification lists, plus its LME/MCO, which can help with referrals and funding.
These operators asked to be listed and approved what each listing says. Confirm openings, costs and house rules with the operator before you move in. A listing isn’t a recommendation or an inspection by ARKHE.
Community residenceMAT-friendly
AFV Kannapolis Recovery Home
Run by A Father’s Vision
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
$160 per week
Structured, recovery-focused housing that emphasizes accountability, peer support, independence, and long-term stability.
Apply online or email AFV’s housing team. AFV confirms openings and gives the home’s location during its housing intake.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each fiscal year, Pitt County funds several opioid settlement projects that address the overdose crisis in the county. Projects are paid on a reimbursement basis and must follow the North Carolina settlement agreement, whose list of approved strategies includes recovery housing support. Applicants first submit a letter of intent, and finalists are invited to submit a full application; the current letter-of-intent window opens November 2 and closes November 25, 2026.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Wake County's opioid settlement plan includes recovery housing support. Its earlier competitive round funded local nonprofits, including recovery housing for men taking medication for addiction treatment and move-in costs for unhoused women with opioid use disorder. The page lists no open round or deadline; sign up for the county's settlement newsletter or attend its community meetings to hear how partners can apply.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Each North Carolina county is served by one Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), listed by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which manages publicly funded mental health and substance use services, including for people without insurance, and connects callers to treatment and recovery supports.
Finding and paying for sober living in North Carolina
North Carolina has no state registry of sober living homes. The North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) lists its member homes by level of support, and Oxford House lists open beds in its self-run homes. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call, text, or chat 988, free and private 24 hours a day, or call the NC Peer Warmline at 855-PEERS-NC. Dial 2-1-1 for NC 211 referrals.
Official directories for finding a licensed recovery house or sober living home, and programs that can help pay for a stay. Programs set their own eligibility, and funding or openings are never guaranteed. Contact each organization to confirm what it can offer.
Finding a recovery house or sober living home
North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) · North Carolina
Search tool for open beds in Oxford Houses (self-run, self-supported recovery homes), filterable by state (including North Carolina), county, and house type, with an online application.
Oxford House, Inc. (301) 587-2916; toll-free (800) 689-6411
Nonprofit that charters democratically run, self-supported Oxford House recovery homes, where residents split expenses equally and there is no house manager.
(301) 587-2916; (800) 689-6411
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Treatment and referral navigation
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services · North Carolina
Free, private help 24/7 for a mental health, alcohol, or drug crisis: call, text, or chat 988, call the NC Peer Warmline to talk with someone with lived experience, or find community crisis centers and mobile crisis teams.
988 (call or text); NC Peer Warmline 855-PEERS-NC
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North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) · North Carolina
The state division for mental health, substance use, and related services, with links to crisis help and to programs, services, and ongoing support in each county.
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North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, NC Medicaid · North Carolina
Apply for NC Medicaid any time of year online through ePASS, in person, by phone, or by mail, email, fax, or drop-off at your county Department of Social Services (DSS).
Nonprofit that promotes addiction recovery, wellness, and citizenship through advocacy, education, and support, with recovery-focused events, volunteer opportunities, and a monthly newsletter.
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Employment and education
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) · North Carolina
North Carolina's vocational rehabilitation program helps people whose disability or chronic medical condition is a barrier to work set an employment goal and get a customized plan of services, through more than 70 local offices.
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Funding
Recovery house grants and funding in North Carolina
In North Carolina, counties and cities that receive opioid settlement funds can spend them on recovery housing support. That covers help with rent, move-in deposits and utilities, and housing for people taking medication for opioid use disorder. The federal Recovery Housing Program (RHP), run by the NC Department of Commerce, funds North Carolina municipalities for recovery housing projects, with priority for Tier 1 and 2 counties. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) substance use division posts grant opportunities; one past grant asked programs to address recovery-supported housing needs.
Grants and public programs that can pay operators or cover residents’ stays. Public funding often requires a state license or certification, and every program sets its own eligibility and timeline, so confirm details with the agency.
Grants and funding programs
North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division · North Carolina
Federal HUD Recovery Housing Program money, run by NC Commerce, for transitional housing for people in recovery from a substance use disorder. Only North Carolina municipalities can apply, with priority for Tier 1 and 2 counties. Awards go up to $1,000,000, paid back after costs are spent, to buy, build or rehabilitate recovery housing or to pay lease, rent and utilities for up to two years per person. The notice stays open until all funds are spent, and the total pot is about $1.07 million, so ask Commerce whether money remains.
North Carolina's opioid settlement agreement lists recovery housing support as strategy 4 of its Exhibit A strategies. It can fund help with rent, move-in deposits or utilities for people in treatment or recovery, and recovery housing programs that house people receiving medication for opioid use disorder. Counties and cities choose which strategies to fund in their local spending plans; for questions, email [email protected] or [email protected].
NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS) · North Carolina
The state substance use division lists its grant requests for applications on this page. A past grant for young adults with opioid use disorder asked treatment programs to address recovery-supported housing needs. No current opportunity names recovery housing, and the page does not say whether one is planned.
Wake County's opioid settlement plan includes recovery housing support. Its earlier competitive round funded local nonprofits, including recovery housing for men taking medication for addiction treatment and move-in costs for unhoused women with opioid use disorder. The page lists no open round or deadline; sign up for the county's settlement newsletter or attend its community meetings to hear how partners can apply.
Each fiscal year, Pitt County funds several opioid settlement projects that address the overdose crisis in the county. Projects are paid on a reimbursement basis and must follow the North Carolina settlement agreement, whose list of approved strategies includes recovery housing support. Applicants first submit a letter of intent, and finalists are invited to submit a full application; the current letter-of-intent window opens November 2 and closes November 25, 2026.
Low-interest loans and grants to buy, build, or improve essential facilities, including transitional housing, in rural areas of 20,000 people or fewer. Open to public bodies, community-based nonprofits and federally recognized tribes, not for-profit operators. Applications are accepted year round; contact the North Carolina Rural Development state office first.
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Official documents
North Carolina recovery house forms, regulations, and agency pages
Each entry shows who issued it, where it applies, and when we last checked the source.
The state law's definitions, including "licensable facility": a facility for one or more minors or two or more adults that provides mental health, developmental disability, or substance use services as day services of three hours or more, or residential services of 24 consecutive hours or more.
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North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) · North Carolina
The North Carolina affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). It holds member homes to a standard of service and helps people seeking recovery housing and the professionals who refer them find each other.
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Operating requirements
North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) · North Carolina
NCARR's answers on the four recovery residence levels of support, NARR's national standards and code of ethics, yearly membership dues, and the federal Fair Housing Act.
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Resident rights
North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) · North Carolina
The DHSR section that licenses and regulates mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability facilities, including group homes and day services, and conducts initial, annual, and complaint investigations. Housing-only sober living homes don't need this license.
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North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) · North Carolina
NCARR's membership form for existing programs and future projects. It asks about the business type, housing type, units, beds, staff, any clinical license from NCDHHS, and staff credentials.
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Zoning and fair housing
North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), Civil Rights Division · North Carolina
The state's page for filing a housing discrimination complaint, with the complaint form, the State Fair Housing Act (G.S. Chapter 41A), and links to HUD and the federal Fair Housing Act.
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U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division · United States
DOJ's overview of the federal Fair Housing Act, which bars disability discrimination in housing and bars local governments from using zoning or land use rules to exclude group homes for people with disabilities.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) · United States
HUD's page for reporting housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act.
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Resources for operators
Running a recovery house in North Carolina
Practical ARKHE guides that pair with the official sources in this guide.
Fill beds and stay inspection-ready
ARKHE is recovery housing software built by operators. It keeps inquiries, intake paperwork, rent, house routines, staff training, and incident records in one place, so you can find them when an inspector or funder asks.
North Carolina recovery house and sober living FAQ
Do I need a license to open a sober living home in North Carolina?
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Not if the home provides housing only. North Carolina has no state license or certification for non-clinical recovery housing. A state license from the NCDHHS Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) is needed only when a facility provides mental health, developmental disability, or substance use services as defined in G.S. 122C-3. City and county zoning and code rules apply either way.
When does a recovery residence in North Carolina need a DHSR license?
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G.S. 122C-3 defines a licensable facility as one for two or more adults that provides mental health, developmental disability, or substance use services, either as day services of three hours or more in a 24-hour period or as residential services of 24 consecutive hours or more. The DHSR Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section licenses those facilities and conducts initial, annual, and complaint investigations.
What is NCARR and is membership required?
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The North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) is the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). Membership is voluntary. It holds homes to NARR standards and NCARR's code of ethics, and member homes are listed publicly by level of support and pay yearly dues.
Can a North Carolina town use zoning to keep a sober living home out?
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The federal Fair Housing Act protects people with disabilities, including people in recovery, from discriminatory housing and land-use decisions, but homes still have to follow neutral zoning, occupancy, and code rules. Complaints can go to the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
How do I list my sober living home in this guide for free?
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Request a free listing. You choose what it shows, such as who the home serves and any certification or membership it holds. The street address is shown only if you want it to be. Listing never requires ARKHE software.
How do I find a sober living home or recovery residence in North Carolina?
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North Carolina has no state registry of sober living homes. The North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) publishes a list of its member homes by level of support, and Oxford House lists open beds in its self-run recovery homes by state. NC 211 can also refer you to services in your community.
What do the recovery residence levels 1 to 4 mean?
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The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) defines four levels of support. Level 1 homes are peer-run, and support, structure, and staffing increase at each level up to Level 4. The North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) lists its member homes by level.
What should I ask a sober living home in North Carolina before moving in?
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Ask about costs, what they include, and the refund policy; drug and alcohol testing; the relapse and medication policies, including whether medication for addiction treatment is allowed; house rules, curfew, and guests; who manages the home; and whether it is an NCARR member.
How do I report a problem with a sober living home in North Carolina?
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If the home is a member of the North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR), you can file a grievance with NCARR. For housing discrimination, file a complaint with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division or HUD. A home that provides licensed treatment services is overseen by the NCDHHS Division of Health Service Regulation.
Where can I get help with drug or alcohol use in North Carolina?
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Call, text, or chat 988 for free, private crisis support 24 hours a day, or call the NC Peer Warmline at 855-PEERS-NC to talk with someone who has lived experience. Recovery Communities of North Carolina (RCNC) offers recovery support and events. To apply for NC Medicaid, use ePASS online or contact your county Department of Social Services.
Sources and review
How this North Carolina guide is sourced and reviewed
Last reviewed: . Each resource shows the date we last loaded its source.
Compiled by:ARKHE. Listing in this guide is free and never requires ARKHE software.
We include official agency pages, published regulations, and established statewide organizations. Each entry links to its source. Items we could not confirm from a primary source are left out until we can.
County home counts come from the public lists named above, on the dates shown. Closed homes are left out, and homes without a county on the list are placed by ZIP code.
Individual homes are listed only at the operator’s request, and the operator controls what the listing says. Licensing or certification status is shown only with a source and the date we checked it.
Operate a recovery home in North Carolina, or know a resource we should include? Submit your information or suggest an update to help us keep this guide useful and accurate.