The University of New Mexico (UNM) Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions (CASAA) has announced the relaunch of the Collegiate Recovery Center (CRC) in collaboration with Student Health and Counseling (SHAC). The initiative aims to support students in recovery from substance use or those who are sober-curious.
“We wanted to honor the historical work that has been done in the peer space that has been created,” said Lesley McKinney, director of SHAC.
The CRC's primary objective is to provide a peer space on campus where students can seek recovery support and resources. This initiative is crucial as the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicates that approximately 11.6% of full-time college students aged 18 to 22 had a past-year substance use disorder (SUD). Young adults face increased risks of SUDs due to factors such as peer pressure, academic stress, and life transitions.
“As a person in long-term recovery and a UNM student, college can be a challenging time for anyone, but for students wanting to live a life in recovery from substance use, the hurdles are even greater,” said Liliana Spurgeon, a current student at UNM.
“The thing that I love about recovery is it's one of those very self-defined topics,” added McKinney. “It really depends on what that person needs.”
The CRC also aims to connect students with external resources such as Soul Recovery Cafe, 12-step meetings, and connections to recovery specialists and therapists. These programs equip students with healthy coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies for their continued recovery post-graduation.
Due to COVID-19, the CRC transitioned to virtual operations but eventually ceased functioning. “I’m coming to the CRC with just excitement to get it back up and running,” said Nina Christie, a postdoctoral fellow at CASAA.
The CRC will be student-led and housed across from the pharmacy area in SHAC’s Plaza Level. This non-clinical space will offer an environment free from substances where students can relax or attend recovery meetings. The center falls under SHAC’s Health Promotions department as part of public health programming accessible anytime by students.
“We want to keep it as independent and self-sustaining as possible so that we can keep it mobile,” stated McKinney.
The planning committee seeks student participation for program development. “We have a very diverse and experienced team who have lived their own experiences,” said Cassandra Boness, research assistant professor at CASAA. “Please offer your opinions.”
“This is not a treatment center... This is somebody that's going to walk alongside you,” explained Christie.
Students interested in participating or providing feedback can reach out via email at recovery@unm.edu or follow them on Instagram at unm_crc. Further information is available on their website.
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