College programming for students in addiction recovery: A PRISMA-guided scoping review

Abstract

The health and well-being of students in recovery from substance use disorder is increasingly being recognized as a priority on college campuses. This scoping review maps the state of the existing literature evaluating collegiate recovery programming to highlight research gaps and inform policy. We conducted a systematic search of articles related to collegiate recovery programming published before August 2020. The 15 extracted study characteristics included publication type, study design, primary outcomes, reporting of behavioral addictions and mutual-help groups, sample demographic information, school size, ownership, and funding source. The PRISMA-guided search strategy identi ed 357 articles for abstract review; of 113 articles retained for full-text review, 54 studies were identi ed for nal inclusion. Primary outcomes were coded into four domains: clinical, lived experience, program characterization, and stigma. All but one of the articles were observational (57%) or qualitative (41%) research designs. Government or foundation grants funded only 11% of the studies. Findings suggest that collegiate recovery programs reduce risk of relapse, improve educational outcomes, and provide social support for students in recovery. The domains identi ed offer a framework for healthcare providers, college administrators, and researchers to understand and improve programs, thereby better serving this marginalized student group.

The Sober Professor: Reflections on the Sober Paradox, Sober Phobia, and Disclosing an Alcohol Recovery Identity in Academia

“…Correspondingly, in a news article, Valentish (2017) discusses the tensions of disclosing current drug use among researchers, pointing out that ""In the US redemptive recovery is acceptable, since it supports the dominant narrative of abstinence" (para x). In Canada, and other parts of the Western world (e.g., Europe, Australia, New Zealand), recovery is less mainstream compared to the USA, where collegiate recovery programs (Vest et al, 2021), and "recovering out loud" public figures and advocacy groups combatting anonymity are more common (Mikhitarian, 2015). Less visibility leads to greater misunderstandings of addiction and recovery, which can reduce positive claims to identity, thus reinforcing stigma and nondisclosure.…”

“…It is designed to provide an educational opportunity alongside recovery support to ensure that students do not have to sacrifice one for the other" (Association of Recovery in Higher Education, 2021, n.p.). There are currently 138 CRPs across the USA (Vest et al, 2021), and two in Canada (University of British Columbia and University of Windsor). While CRP programming is diverse, "best practices" include dedicated university staff, peer support, built-in sober spaces, and alcohol-free events and college residences (Vest et al, 2021).…”

“…There are currently 138 CRPs across the USA (Vest et al, 2021), and two in Canada (University of British Columbia and University of Windsor). While CRP programming is diverse, "best practices" include dedicated university staff, peer support, built-in sober spaces, and alcohol-free events and college residences (Vest et al, 2021). Building from existing CRP models, this study supports the implementation of intentional recovery programming for all university members, including faculty who are struggling with addiction.…”

A Qualitative Exploration of Addiction Disclosure and Stigma among Faculty Members in a Canadian University Context

“…Peer support is a cornerstone of Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs), which have been implemented in 138 universities and colleges across the USA (two recently in Canada), and have shown to be effective in promoting recovery for students [ 56 ]. A CRP is a College or University provided, supportive environment within the campus culture that reinforces the decision to engage in a lifestyle of recovery from substance use and other addictive behaviors.…”

“…We suggest expanding CRP models to include FM specific programming. The services offered could be modeled off of CRP “best-practices” that have been identified for students, including dedicated university staff, built-in peer support and sober spaces, and drug-free events [ 56 ].…”