Early Bird

Support for students in recovery

If you know students in recovery from alcohol or drug use, encourage them to check out the Auraria Campus’ new Recovery Community.

By Richard Miccio

February 26, 2019

Last year, the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment Survey gathered valuable personal and academic data from students across the U.S. — including Roadrunners. The survey collected information on students’ physical health, mental health, academic performance, sexual behavior, sleep patterns and drug/alcohol use and highlighted their wants, needs and struggles.

Nationally, one of the biggest concerns (and one supported by survey data) is students’ use/abuse of drugs and alcohol. Along with substance-use campaigns, programming, trainings and marketing, universities across the country are beginning to develop on-campus Collegiate Recovery Communities to help students navigate drug/alcohol use and recovery. CRCs are often student-initiated and led with support and advocacy of university staff, faculty and administrators. CRCs are designed to promote academic success and prevent return to substance abuse in a safe and substance-free social setting.

Metropolitan State University of Denver students, faculty and staff are collaborating with the University of Colorado Denver and the Community College of Denver to create a tri-institutional CRC. This group describes itself as “an inclusive recovery community that values all pathways to recovery and good living” by promoting prosocial events and health-and-wellness activities and hosting recovery meetings. Members have taken the first step in providing additional support for students in recovery by hosting “All Recovery” meetings during the spring semester.

If you know students in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse that may be interested in (or could benefit from) a student-led peer support group, encourage them to contact the Recovery Community at recoverycommunityinfo@gmail.com.

Please refer students who are in acute stress or struggling with active use to the MSU Denver Counseling Center (303-615-9988) or the Health Center at Auraria (303-615-9999) for clinical interventions, including assessment and treatment options.