Celebrating Collegiate Recovery Programs: A Blueprint for Student Success

Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) offer a highly effective student success model, boasting significantly higher graduation rates (nearly 90%) and GPAs (3.6) for students in recovery compared to institutional averages. These programs build social capital through peer support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, addressing academic, career, and mental health needs holistically. Universities can learn from CRPs’ integrated approach to support, applying their principles of early identification, intervention, and comprehensive services to improve student success across the board.

College is an exciting time that is fraught with both opportunities and challenges. However, for students in recovery, those challenges are amplified while adjusting to college life. This is where Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) step in, not only as recovery support systems, but also to model student success strategies that students and those in academia can learn from. 

The growth of college recovery programs has been significant. Out of over 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States, there were only 14 Collegiate Recovery Programs in 2012, according to the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE). However, as of August 2024, the ARHE reports an astounding 183 member schools that participate. 

These programs have cracked the code on how to build a supportive and thriving community, achieving graduation rates that far surpass institutional averages. Read on to learn more about CRPs and how their approach is designed for student success.

The Remarkable Success of Collegiate Recovery Programs

Collegiate Recovery Programs have been successful since their implementation. Students participating in CRPs have a 90-percent graduation rate, compared to institution-wide graduation rates, which fall around 61 percent. CRPs are designed to do a lot more than “get by” during recovery in college; they promote excellence. Students in these programs consistently have higher grade point averages (GPAs) than their peers, with a mean of 3.6. This is in addition to facing significant challenges, like histories of substance use disorders and academic disruption.

A facet of promoting excellence within these programs is philanthropy and service work. Students who participate in CRPs also become an asset to their community and campus through volunteerism and service work. Some supportive work and outreach may include

• Planning and hosting sober events
• Mentoring new members/students in recovery
• CRP program development
• Community outreach and volunteerism
• Leadership positions within CRPs
• Growing the program within the community
• Raising awareness about addiction and substance abuse

The success of Collegiate Recovery Programs is not limited to scattered cases in smaller institutions; CRPs are widespread in larger campuses as well.  Whether it’s at Texas Tech University or Rutgers University, Collegiate Recovery Programs consistently outperform the general student body.

At UNC Greensboro in particular, 19 students in the program had higher GPAs, graduation rates, and retention rates compared to the general population. Additionally, semester-based relapse rates showed that rates fluctuated between 4 and 8 percent, which is surprisingly low considering the demands and peer pressure of college life. Students also report an average of nearly four years in recovery, with most having between two and four years of abstinence from their primary substance of choice when entering the program.

Building Comprehensive Student Success: The Collegiate Recovery Way

How do collegiate recovery programs build social capital for students? Through a multifaceted approach. Roughly 56 percent of students join for the support network alone, but the benefits of CRPs extend beyond group support and fellowship. These programs intentionally cultivate both horizontal connections among peers and vertical connections to mentors, faculty, and professional networks.

A cornerstone of CRPs includes regular, substance-free social events, allowing students to build authentic relationships and foster fellowship. These can be anything from informal gatherings to sober tailgating parties. Mentorship is also a significant part of these programs; students already grounded in recovery mentor new students in the Collegiate Recovery Programs. There are also professional staff and alumni mentors as well. This comprehensive support network addresses academic, career, and life skills, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive.

Additionally, students in these programs often step into leadership roles, which builds skills in community outreach, peer support, and program coordination. The combination of leadership development and recovery support enhances employment opportunities post-graduation and amplifies professional development and networking. CRPs also recognize and address the mental health challenges that often accompany substance use recovery, providing integrated support services and counseling referrals.

The Role of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE)

The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) is the central coordinating body for Collegiate Recovery Programs nationwide. It has positioned itself as the gold standard and definitive authority on the development, implementation, and review of these student success programs. How does the Association of Recovery in Higher Education promote academic success? ARHE can provide community connections, resources, and education through professional development, program quality assurance, and research dissemination.

Early Alert Systems: Learning from the Collegiate Recovery Model

Can early alert systems be improved using a collegiate recovery model? Absolutely. CRPs excel at early identification, as well as intervention and ongoing support. CRPs offer support that addresses not only academic missteps but their underlying factors, using peer support, proactive intervention, and comprehensive service coordination. Effective early alert systems are also individualized to a student’s unique needs. 

The peer support component on CRPs is one of the most valuable and effective. Research shows that students in mentoring relationships experience higher academic success and a stronger sense of belonging. Structured peer support within early alert systems can connect with at-risk students, providing mentors in real time with effective emotional and practical supports.

Mentorship and Social Capital: Keys to Success

Mentorship and social capital within CRPs offer a multifaceted approach through

• Formal peer monitoring
• Professional staff guidance
• Community connections

This multi-layered approach recognizes that students respond differently to various types of mentoring and that not one size fits all. Those who become mentors gain experience in communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. 

How do mentorship programs for students in recovery impact career readiness? Within programs, students often assume leadership roles, which can provide experience in conflict resolution, project management, and communication, all of which can transfer to a professional environment. Social capital development extends to include community professionals, staff, faculty, and alumni. 

Academic Outcomes and Evidence-Based Strategies

Research shows the effectiveness of comprehensive support services found within CRPs. Longitudinal research shows that participants maintain an average GPA of 3.6 while working an average of 19 hours per week. Considering students in CRPs typically have a history of academic disruption, these statistics are a testament to the effectiveness of the programs. 

Some academic services that CRPs provide include

• Early course registration
• Academic advisement
• Recovery-specific services
• Study abroad programs and opportunities

CRPs realize that academic success depends upon a positive adjustment across multiple domains. Combined with peer support, students have an excellent chance to succeed both in academia and in their long-term recovery. 

Applying Collegiate Recovery Principles to University-Wide Success

What can universities learn from collegiate recovery programs’ student success strategy? The biggest takeaway from CRPs is integration. These programs demonstrate how to move beyond siloed support services to create coherent systems that address multiple dimensions of student need. These types of programs and services can be valuable to the entire student population, not just those in recovery. Students not in recovery may be facing complex challenges, such as problems at home or mental health concerns. 

Applying collegiate recovery principles to university-wide success initiatives begins with recognizing that student success depends on both academic and personal factors. Peer support and mentorship are perhaps the most important facets of successful Collegiate Recovery Programs. In addition to emotional support, mentorship also typically offers comprehensive case management. 

In conclusion, CRPs are a success due to their comprehensive, individualized, and integrated approach. The success of these programs offers a blueprint to universities as to how to enhance student success across the board. Collegiate Recovery Programs are not just specialized interventions but as models of excellence. By adopting their principles and practices, universities can create a more supportive and thriving environment for all students.

If you are a student who is struggling, or a concerned friend or family member, Mountainside can help. We offer comprehensive, individualized treatment to high school and college students, from detox to extended care. Speak with an admissions specialist today to learn about all your recovery options.