Co-occurring mental and behavioral health conditions among collegiate recovery program members

Substance Use Recovery Needs among College Students Seeking Recovery Services: A Thematic Qualitative Analysis

“…With increasing recognition among college health professionals that many students arrive on campus with substance use histories that warrant recovery-oriented, supportive, continuing care approaches (Tanner- Smith et al, 2019), CRPs may be well positioned to provide such support. Descriptive and observational research suggests that CRPs tend to reach the most at-risk students (Cleveland et al, 2007;Laudet et al, 2015;Nichols et al, 2023) and that CRP participation is associated with bene cial changes among participants, including increased college retention, decreased substance use, and increased grade point averages (Bell et al, 2009;Botzet et al, 2008;Harris et al, 2008;Hennessy et al, 2021). For a more detailed description of CRPs, see White and To inform what services are offered by CRPs and other mental health support units at institutions of higher education, it is important to understand the substance use recovery needs and challenges reported by the students who seek such services.…”

“…This includes an understanding of the characteristics of these students, including co-occurring health conditions, identities, and current supports to provide tailored services. Recent research indicates that students participating in CRPs report high rates of historical and/or current mental health problems (Ashford et al, 2018;Ashford et al, 2019;Laudet et al, 2015;Nichols et al, 2023), and some students report participating in CRPs due to other behavioral health concerns (e.g., disordered eating behaviors; Ashford et al, 2019;Nichols et al, 2023) that have been negatively associated with academic outcomes (e.g., failed or missed classes, lower grades).…”