September is National Recovery Month, a national observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. As we think about the millions of Americans who are in recovery, it's important to look at the critical role institutions of higher education (IHEs) are playing in this support network.

 

The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) is the only association representing collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) and collegiate recovery communities (CRCs), the faculty and staff who support them, and the students who represent them. There are currently 131 collegiate recovery programs across the United States. According to ARHE, each member college or university "incorporates recovery on their campus in a way that is unique to their population and culture."

 

In fall 2018, Michigan State University (MSU) became the first university in the state to launch substance-free recovery housing in the dorms as part of their Collegiate Recovery Community program. Although the University of Michigan also has a CRP, it does not provide substance-free recovery housing. Dawn Kepler, coordinator of MSU's Collegiate Recovery Community, estimates MSU has 1,500 students who identify as being in recovery.

 

Other CRPs may not offer housing but have different requirements for participation. At the University of Vermont (UVM), the Catamount Recovery Program offers a multitude of opportunities for community-building for students and staff in recovery including a weekly lunch; a recovery group session sponsored through Counseling & Psychiatry Services in addition to on-campus, open 12-step meetings; Friday community game nights; and bi-weekly outings. A one-credit course, Exploring Development through Community, is required of CRP students in their first and second semesters in the program.

 

Students from both MSU and UVM have expressed the importance of CRPs and CRCs to their recovery and education. "Being a new student MSU was intimidating. Being in recovery, I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to find friends who don't use substances. The CRC gave me the opportunity to meet young people in recovery. It gives me a safe place to go to where there are like-minded people and fun things to do." At UVM a student stated, "The CRP offers fellowship outside of conventional 12-step meetings, and the community consists of other students in recovery that I can relate to. Without this experience, I may not have been so optimistic about sobriety in college."

 

If your college or university is interested in establishing a CRP, ARHE has outlined the starting points to begin the conversation. Buy in from stakeholders is a key component to moving the conversation forward, as well as research and data on student success at IHEs with CRPs, fundraising, and finally program development. For additional assistance, contact ARHE.