"It Has Made College Possible for Me": Feedback on the Impact of a University-Based Center for Students in Recovery

Abstract

Support from a campus recovery program is essential for many recovering students. There are a variety of recovery program components that can foster the sense of community that was so important to the students in this study.

Characteristics of Students Participating in Collegiate Recovery Programs: A National Survey

“…For youths in SUD recovery, these challenging transitions are compounded by the need to remain sober in an ‘abstinence-hostile environment’ (Cleveland, Harris, & Wiebe, 2010): The high rates of substance use on campuses (Hingson, Zha, & Weitzman, 2009; Wechsler & Nelson, 2008) make college attendance a severe threat to sobriety that must often be faced without one’s established support network (Bell et al, 2009; Woodford, 2001). Combined, these factors can lead to isolation when ‘fitting in’ is critical, and/or to yielding to peer pressure to use alcohol or drugs, both enhancing relapse risks (Harris, Baker, Kimball, & Shumway, 2008; Woodford, 2001).…”

“…Experts’ calls for campus-based services for recovering students (Dickard, Downs, & Cavanaugh, 2011; Doyle, 1999) have thus far been largely unheeded (Bell, et al, 2009; Botzet, Winters, & Fahnhorst, 2007; Cleveland, Harris, Baker, Herbert, & Dean, 2007). The US Department of Education noted that ‘the education system’s role as part of the nation’s recovery and relapse prevention support system is still emerging.’ (p.10 (Dickard, et al, 2011).…”

Prescription Stimulant Abuse on University Campuses

“…This same logic of the least restrictive environment is applied to universities providing treatment on campus for students who are in recovery (Bell et al, 2009). Several universities have counseling centers in which individual counseling is provided and referrals are made if treatment is needed.…”

“…Several universities have counseling centers in which individual counseling is provided and referrals are made if treatment is needed. Some universities will provide residence halls that do not allow any alcohol on the premises for students wishing for such an environment (Bell et al, 2009), but often alcohol is brought into the residence hall anyway, with little repercussions, if any, against the violators. These programs are useful but still fail to provide students with a more comprehensive approach to students in recovery.…”

“…In a study by Bell et al (2009), students within the CSAR program were asked what made the program successful for them. The four most common responses were having an already created recovery community, support from program staff, availability of on-campus meetings, and academic support.…”