Our Story
How lived experience and professional support intersect
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Theocharis Recovery House was founded by Nicholas Theocharis, whose personal journey through addiction and recovery is at the heart of this work. The name Theocharis comes from Greek roots — “Theo” meaning Divine and “Charis” meaning grace or kindness. For Nicholas, the name reflects the spirit of compassion and support that guides both his life and this foundation.
Nicholas experienced his own recovery on 20 August 1997, marking a profound turning point in his life. In a meaningful coincidence, this date each year aligns with the celebration of his namesake, Theocharis — and Nicholas often reflects on this as a reminder of the grace and purpose that shaped his recovery and calling. Through his own experience of change and transformation, combined with structured professional training, Nicholas discovered a deep calling to help others combat addiction and to live successful lives
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​Nicholas Theocharis — Founder & Recovery Advocate
Bringing lived experience, compassion, and structured support to individuals and families in recovery.
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Professional Background
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After completing over four years of full-time study, Nicholas became a fully qualified counsellor. He trained hands-on with experienced drug and alcohol rehabilitation professionals and gained invaluable insight into recovery support.
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Nicholas worked in various settings, including:
✔ Young offenders institutions
✔ Community rehabilitation services in the South of England
✔ National Health Service (NHS) In high security prison settings
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During this time, he focused on structured recovery guidance, motivational support, and facilitation of recovery education inspired by 12-step principles.
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In 2010, Nicholas was invited to help deliver recovery interventions in Spain and advise on sober living services in the USA — experiences that deepened his understanding of recovery support across cultures.
He later moved to the Netherlands, continuing his work in structured recovery support. This eventually led to the creation of Theocharis Recovery House. Since then, the organisation has evolved into a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to providing compassionate, personalised recovery support.
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Today — What We Do
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Theocharis Recovery House is based in the Netherlands and offers a range of recovery support services, including:
* Full-day recovery workshops
* 9-day structured residential Mad Dogs
* Tailor-made outpatient support programmes
* Online recovery workshops and sessions
Nicholas’s approach combines lived experience with structured guidance rooted in empathy, understanding, and clarity. His work supports individuals and families affected by addiction in navigating the challenges of recovery.
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Our Recovery Approach & Values
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Theocharis Recovery House was founded on the belief that recovery is built on spiritual and behavioural principles such as honesty, accountability, personal responsibility, service, and growth.
These principles are widely recognised across many recovery pathways, including 12-step programmes, and have supported countless individuals in building sustainable recovery.
While we deeply respect 12-step fellowships, we are an independent, non-clinical organisation. Our role is to provide structured recovery education and community support — not to replace meetings, sponsorship, or professional treatment.
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Many individuals who participate in our services are already active in 12-step recovery. Our programmes are designed to complement — not replace — meetings, sponsorship, or fellowship involvement. We actively encourage participants to remain committed to their home groups and sponsors while engaging in additional structured recovery support.
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Nicholas’s commitment to recovery support is shaped by empathy and respect. His approach includes:
Core Values
* Empathic, kind, and respectful
* Honest and transparent
* Safe and confidential support
* Motivational interviewing techniques
* Solution-focused guidance
Recovery Focus Areas
* Personalised recovery planning
* Cognitive-behavioural strategies
* Group and one-on-one support
* Workshops and educational sessions
* Holistic wellbeing support
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A Personal Invitation
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At Theocharis Recovery House, we are passionate about supporting individuals and families on the journey toward lasting recovery. We understand that recovery is a long-term process that often extends beyond clinical treatment and traditional programmes.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone you love, we are available to listen, answer questions, and explore recovery support options that fit your individual situation.
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If you have questions, would like guidance, or wish to discuss available services:
📞 Call Today
💬 Chat on WhatsApp
📧 Email for Support
We look forward to speaking with you and supporting your next step forward.
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