The use of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol and other drugs, is increasing worldwide. In 2022, according to the United Nations, 292 million people were using drugs, up 20% from 10 years earlier (UNODC, 2024). Addiction not only affects many young people, families and neighbourhoods, but is also associated with serious negative public health, social and economic consequences. Despite the prevailing (negative) view of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder, research shows that recovery from addiction is more common than thought. More than half of all people who ever had a problem with alcohol or drugs recover from it. Own research among adults who have had an addiction problem (Dekkers et al., 2021) shows that timely intervention and the role of support are crucial to achieve recovery. In this study, we aim to test these insights in adolescents and young adults who develop an addiction problem and explore how recovery can be initiated and promoted at an early stage. The research focuses specifically on young people aged 16 to 25 and recovery support outside traditional help initiatives (such as discovery colleges, training and employment initiatives and (peer) support groups).