In college and in recovery: Reasons for joining a Collegiate Recovery Program

Abstract

Objective Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs), a campus-based peer support model for students recovering from substance abuse problems, grew exponentially in the past decade, yet remain unexplored. Methods This mixed methods study examines students’ reasons for CRP enrollment to guide academic institutions and referral sources. Students (N = 486) from the 29 CRPs nationwide operating in 2012 completed an online survey in 2013. Results Students were somewhat older than traditional age (mean age = 26). Now sober for three years (mean), they had experienced severe dependence on multiple substances. One third reported they would not be in college were it not for a CRP, and 20% would not be at their current institution. Top reasons for joining a CRP was the need for same age peer recovery support, and wanting to ‘do college sober’ recognizing that college life challenges sobriety. Conclusions CRPs appear to meet their mission of allowing recovering students to pursue educational goals in ‘an abstinence hostile environment’ and emphasize the need for more institutions to address the support needs of students in recovery.

Lived Experience in New Models of Care for Substance Use Disorder: A Systematic Review of Peer Recovery Support Services and Recovery Coaching

“…One study has also assessed the motivation of individuals in recovery from SUD to seek PRSS. Wanting to know more about university students participating in peer-based college recovery support services, Laudet et al (2016) surveyed 486 students engaged in 29 college recovery programs across the United States. At the time of survey, students had been abstinent from alcohol and other drugs a mean of 3 years.…”

“…Although a strong theoretical case has been made for the potential utility of PRSS in a range of SUD clinical and care settings (e.g., White and Evans, 2014; Laudet et al, 2016), to date PRSS research is limited for specific clinical SUD populations for whom these services are most commonly provided (i.e., those in outpatient, residential and transitional care settings, and recovery community centers). In their 2016 review of the PRSS literature, Bassuk et al noted open questions about the necessary amount and intensity of PRSS interventions, and the optimal contexts for provision of these services and the appropriate skill levels for peers.…”

Collegiate Recovery Students and Programs: Literature Review from 1988-2017

“…Following the national demographics study, Laudet, Harris, Kimball, Winters, and Moberg (2016) analyzed students' reasons for participating in CRPs. This mixed-methods study found the average length of student participation in a CRP was seven academic semesters and revealed students' primary reason for enrolling in a CRP was the desire or need for a supportive peer network.…”

Therapeutic Approaches to Recovery in West Virginia

“…These responses are examples of internal and external methods of maintaining sobriety in this population. Laudet et al stated the importance of building a recovery lifestyle, characterized by healthy behaviors and decision-making [22]. Participants, particularly those involved in WVU CRP, discussed the importance of achieving a healthy lifestyle, which they felt included aspects such as meditation and eating healthily.…”

“…Mindfulness, which can be defined as a practice that intentionally directs attention to present-moment thoughts and feelings, has been found to increase healthy coping styles among individuals in recovery [18,21]. The use of these types of therapies aim to build recovery lifestyles that have characteristics of healthy functioning and improved quality of life [22].…”