The increase in rates of substance abuse among young adults creates a growing number of college students in recovery from addiction. Over one million youth and young adults received substance abuse treatment in 2012, of which many entered active recovery before or during college. Substance use has become common on college campuses, making recovery a difficult task for college students in recovery. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) have been developed to combat these difficulties by providing campus-based support to students in recovery. The purpose of this study is to examine the social experiences (e.g. identity reconstruction and social stigma) of students in recovery attending a rural college. Interviews were conducted with 12 students participating in the CRP at a rural public university. Students were asked set questions related to their social experiences with substance use and treatment prior to college, with the initial transition to campus, and with coping skills/resources they used during those times. Students were also asked questions about the role the CRP played in their coping and identity on campus. Five themes were identified from the interviews conducted. The first 3 themes involved the experience of campus life: returning to college after treatment, feelings of exclusion, and disclosure. The other two themes related to the role of the CRP: in relation to social support, and in relation to identity. With regard to returning to college after treatment, many of the students felt it was difficult readjusting to life after treatment and it was particularly challenging to remain sober on a campus that had high rates of alcohol and drug use. The students also described feelings of exclusion because most social events served alcohol so they “missed out” on many experiences and felt set apart from their peers due to their abstinence. Disclosing identity as a student in recovery was also discussed by many students during the interviews. Some students had a positive experience with disclosure, but others struggled with a fear of being judged, making decisions about whom to tell and when, and bracing for the reactions of others. Students described the CRP as an important source of social support by providing a safe, comforting place for students in recovery to relax, make friendships, and feel a sense of community. The CRP also provided students with support during the formation of a recovery identity because it providing recovery-based activities, friends, and social settings.

Take away: Students in recovery often experience feelings of uncertainty about fitting in and question their identity when transitioning out of treatment and into college. These feelings are further complicated by the pervasiveness of substance use on campus. The CRP provided students in recovery with the support and resources to cope with these challenges. It also assisted students in establishing positive identities as students in recovery. Members of the CRP also exhibited better academic achievement compared to non-CRP students. Additional studies are needed to examine identity and stigma issues in relation to relapse, academic success, and other indicators of well-being.

Scott, A., Anderson, A., Harper, K., & Alfonso, M.L. (2016). Exeriences of Students in Recovery on a Rural College Campus: Social Identity and Stigma. SAGE Open, 6(4). doi:10.1177/2158244016674762