Collegiate Resources
Recovery Made for College Students
What is Collegiate Recovery?
Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRP) are campus-based programs providing community, connection, and critical resources to college students with lived experience. This may include support for both substance use and mental health difficulties. These programs take place on campus so students can connect to resources and find a recovery community.
CRPs are specially connected to campus resources so they can provide students with holistic recovery services. They may help connect students to additional resources to foster their well-being, improve their academic success, and meet their own unique needs.
How Do I Find College Resources?
One of the most important things to remember about collegiate recovery is that it looks different everywhere. Just as each person has their own recovery journey, each college or community may have their own methods. If you find that your college's recovery services are not fit for your needs, try to check out different programs on campus, or even explore what programs neighboring campuses have.
Above all of this, remember that other resources, like Recovery Community Centers, are also available to you. That being said, take the time to find the right fit for you. We've got programs from all over Iowa listed here, but feel free to contact us if your college or university has a program that we don't have listed. We'd love to hear more about your recovery services.
To learn more about substance use in higher education, visit this page from Intelligent's Higher Education Team.
Does My College Have Recovery Resources?
Iowa State University has several resources available for students, including training programs, meetings, chat support, and more!
- Substance Use Services - Access self-help, community outreach, prevention, peer support, and specialty services for Iowa State University students struggling with substance use.
- Collegiate Recovery Community - Find a peer-support based, all paths welcome community, with various resources on Iowa State's campus and online.
- Student Wellness - Focus on a variety of kinds of wellness including student support services, programs, and trainings related to mental health, physical health, well-being, and more.
The University of Iowa has a collegiate recovery program that is sponsored by several student organizations. Their program includes meetings, workshops, and events for students who are in recovery. Learn more.
University of Northern Iowa's Wellness Center includes Wellness Coaching options, which span the eight dimensions of wellness, safe sex practices, drug addiction, and alcohol addiction.
- Wellness Coaching - A confidential service available to all UNI students that explores personal character strength and strategic wellness goals.
- Facts on Tap - A program designed to make students feel more confident about their decisions regarding alcohol use. Provides accurate information to encourage safe alcohol consumption.
- One-on-One Support - UNI uses BASICS, a harm-reduction-focused program that helps college students make healthier choices regarding drugs and alcohol. This program is available to all students.
Drake University has weekly meetings and individual counseling for students who are seeking recovery. Learn more.
How Do I Start A Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)?
Each CRP may look different from institution to institution. The important thing to keep in mind is this: you're not going through this alone. There are CRPs all across the country that have laid out steps for you to take as you build your own recovery community. To start, here's a couple first pieces of advice:
Reach Out to People on Campus
Starting to engage with your campus early in the start of your program helps to establish your group's presence. This might mean tabling in a high-traffic area, launching a campaign to support the use of recovery-centered language, or starting a social media account for your group. No matter what approach you choose, it's important to connect with your school's administration and follow the protocol for starting a student group on campus.
Amplify Student Interests
CRPs should represent the needs and desires of the student body that drives them and that they serve. The projects, campaigns, and activities of the CRP should be created by the students and represent their interests and goals.
Create a Designated Physical Space
Having a dedicated space for your CRP creates a feeling of safety, prevents feelings of isolation, and allows students in recovery to support each other. Students in recovery often benefit from forming relationships with students who have similar experiences. This space doesn't just have to be recovery meetings, either, it can focus on student work, study groups, advocacy projects, or connecting to resources as well.
Learn More About Creating Your Collegiate Recovery Program
The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) represents collegiate recovery programs all across the country. In partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, ARHE created a 13-page guide to help you get started with your campus' recovery community. Click here to learn more.