How to Start a Collegiate Recovery Programs?
Collegiate recovery programs can offer a safe and supportive environment for young people suffering from addiction. They can focus on their studies, and do not have to choose between their health and their education. However, in order to find a collegiate recovery program, you must take some steps. Here are some of them:
Increasing federal support for collegiate recovery programs
While collegiate recovery programs are usually sanctioned by the school where they are located, the Biden administration has called for a 25 percent expansion of such programs by 2025 as part of the National Drug Control Strategy. Experts in this field believe that the time is right to expand these programs. One such expert is Kristina Canfield, executive director of the Association for Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE).
Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) provide peer-based support for college students in recovery. They focus on developing a supportive community, recovery-oriented programming, and a dedicated space on a campus where recovery is celebrated. The first CRP was created over 40 years ago, and the growth of such programs has led to a variety of models and practices. Despite this diversity, evidence of the effectiveness of CRPs can be found in national surveys.
Providing a supportive and safe space for students in recovery
Providing a supportive and safe space for recovering students on campus is an important step for the college community. Though many higher education institutions do not have the resources to establish a formal recovery center, they can provide support to students by creating recovery-friendly spaces on campus. These environments are free of drug and alcohol messages and can help students overcome stigma and have a more positive college experience. Colleges can also create recovery awareness committees or involve recovery community leaders in the planning of recovery-friendly spaces.
Recovery housing options vary from campus to campus, and may include a recovery-specific building or floor. Some campuses also have recovery-specific dorms or Living Learning Communities. In addition to providing recovery-friendly housing, these institutions may also offer an outdoor adventure learning experience (OALE) to students, including leadership development, team building, and recovery meetings.
Reaching out to other students in recovery
Reaching out to other students in recovery is a crucial aspect of collegiate recovery programs. This is not only a way to help students recover, but also to provide a supportive environment for them. These programs provide on-campus meetings and staff support to help students feel less isolated. They also provide educational opportunities and harm reduction frameworks to create a more inclusive environment.
Collegiate recovery programs are becoming more common, but there are still stigmas around addiction that can keep students from seeking treatment. However, the federal government has stepped up its support for the programs. The commission on drug addiction and the opioid crisis recently encouraged higher education institutions to expand their recovery services. Additionally, President Biden called for a 25 percent increase in the number of collegiate recovery programs by 2025.
Building a collegiate recovery program
A University Recovery Program should include a variety of services that address the needs of the recovering student. These services can include counseling-based work, eating disorder treatment, and other support services. It is important to establish a foundation for CRP development, including the program's goals, its scope, and its resources. In addition, it should have a comprehensive marketing strategy, including outreach to incoming students, parents, and community organizations. It should also provide resources and talking points for university admissions teams and prospective students in recovery.
Higher education institutions are beginning to place greater emphasis on the health of their students. Research has shown that students' health is crucial to their success. However, many colleges are not equipped to provide these services and instead simply refer students to external services. While this method is helpful, it is not ideal and may not be tailored to college students' needs. Contact us to join collegiate recovery program.
