Collegiate Recovery Communities Programs: What do we know and what do we need to know?

Area of Science:

• Addiction research
• Higher education policy
• Public health

Background:

• Substance use in higher education is a significant barrier to academic success.
• Peer-driven recovery support services are expanding nationally.
• Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are emerging models for student support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature supporting the need for CRPs.
• To describe the diversity of services offered by CRPs.
• To identify key areas for future research on CRPs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research and data on CRPs.
• Analysis of site-level records suggesting CRP outcomes.
• Synthesis of information on CRP models and student populations.

Main Results:

• CRPs demonstrate encouraging outcomes, including low relapse rates.
• Students in CRPs show above-average academic achievement.
• There is a notable lack of systematic research on CRPs.

Conclusions:

• CRPs are a growing and innovative model for supporting students in recovery.
• Further research is crucial to understand CRP effectiveness and optimize services.
• Expansion of CRPs aligns with national calls for enhanced recovery support.