Characterizing Collegiate Recovery Programs in the United States and Canada: A Survey of Program Directors

Area of Science:

• Addiction Research
• Higher Education Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are crucial for students with substance use disorders.
• Research on CRPs, their directors, and funding is limited.
• Understanding CRPs is vital for supporting student recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) in the US and Canada.
• To examine the demographics of CRP directors.
• To investigate the influence of funding streams on CRPs.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to 70 CRP directors.
• Data collected on site features, policies, and funding.
• Sustainable funding defined as two or more sources.

Main Results:

• CRPs with sustainable funding served twice as many students.
• These programs had more space, facilities, and relapse policies.
• Directors reported positive views on harm reduction and mutual-help meetings.

Conclusions:

• Sustained funding is crucial for enhancing CRPs.
• Inclusive support for CRP directors is important.
• Further research needed on CRP effectiveness and impact.