Our Story

After a rocky start with her own addiction demons, followed by 10 years of further education and credentialing, two children, and several years working in European treatment centers, Susan Stader kept alive her dream of building her own recovery program – one based on structure, community, and self-worth.

Back in the US, with several years working in the field of addiction, Susan knew there was a better way to assist substance abusers in getting back into ‘real life.’ She conceived a program that would help people following primary treatment, stay clean and sober, and transition back into the community as strong, healthy members of society; one that offered a fuller definition of, “recovery.” She began exploring. And collaborating. Finally, she opened the doors of NSR of Asheville on May 1, 2006 with eight residents, two staff members (co-founder Tony Gause and a house manager), and quickly added another 19 residents by the end of that month!

A BIG dream with a small staff were the humble beginnings of NSR of Asheville, but it very quickly grew, as did their reputation. In the industry, Susan and NSR of Asheville have earned a reputation for offering quality programming at an affordable cost. They recognized the need for consistent structured recovery support and accountability for these men, where they could not only learn more about their disease, be supported and loved on their recovery journeys, but also gain independence as they moved forward in their lives.

The vision was, and still is, to provide a home-like setting, encourage daily structure, and provide a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to a sober lifestyle while grounded in a strong 12-step foundation of recovery.

As Susan says, “There is truly nothing more rewarding than seeing and hearing so many graduates of the program attend our weekly alumni meetings. They return often, for support, camaraderie, and to tell their stories to our newest community members, continue the cycle of peer support and recovery. It’s extremely gratifying to see!”

Learn more about our founder and executive director >>

Learn more about the rest of our recovery team >>

Learn more about our addiction treatment program >>

What They Say About Us

"Before coming to NSR of Asheville, my life was in tatters. I felt defeated. The first day I arrived and was swinging. I was so angry. I was lost, hurt, and confused. I was living in paralyzing fear; yet, this place, these people, accepted me... They have shown me that a new life is possible. The staff here helps me grow into a better man every day... I owe the person I am today to NSR of Asheville's guidance."

J.C., Beloved Client

"NSR of Asheville is a safe place with people I not only consider a great staff, but also have come to love as family. They treated me with love, compassion, and respect. They helped me see things I couldn't; helped me grow as a person and changed my perspective on many topics. The people at NSR of Asheville will forever hold a special place in my heart."

B.D., Beloved Resident

“This is the longest I have ever been clean and NSR of Asheville is the reason for that. It has provided me with a safe place to begin my recovery”

T.A., Beloved Resident

"I am so grateful for NSR of Asheville and all the staff members. This is definitely the place I needed to come after I got out of treatment. Here I got connected to the recovery community in Asheville and made some good friends here at the houses. They have not only taught me what I need to do to stay clean but I have learned so many life lessons while I was here. I will stay in contact with them because this place has given me my life back and for that I am so grateful!"

Z.A., Beloved Resident

"NSR of Asheville was exactly what I needed in the early stages of my recovery! I spent so many years of my life hiding behind a bottle, and I couldn’t take it anymore! Susan and her staff helped me to get back on my feet and start the process moving on and loving life without the use of alcohol or drugs. After my 3 months here, I chose to stay in Asheville and continue to work on my self, with their guidance. I couldn’t imagine my life today if I was still stuck in my old ways, Thank you NSR of Asheville!"

Z.B., Beloved Client

"You may have to leave family, friends and your old life behind as you start recovery. NSR of Asheville provides not only a home for you to start over, it gives you a spiritual cleansing. From the staff to my housemates, They has brought a new meaning to recovery. If you let them work with you, you'll find more than a recovery house, you'll find yourself again."

M.R.K., Beloved Resident

My son completed 3 months of sober living at NSR of Asheville, surrounded by kind, caring and compassionate staff, with all the skill sets required of true professionals to guide and assist him in living a productive, healthy , sober and happy life. He flourished and started to smile and enjoy life again during those three months. He now is starting to build a career for himself and is enjoying the normal things in life that had been missing for so many years. As a family we have been blessed to have been connected with NSR of Asheville. Thank you.

K.W., Family Member

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Start Your Recovery Adventure Today

Recovery is the Real Adventure. Embrace the journey with other young men on the same path. Lean on NSR of Asheville as your support network while you work toward sustainable sobriety. You don’t have to make the climb back to a life of meaning by yourself, but you do have to start. Take the next step toward your future today.