Get Involved: Supporting Collegiate Recovery in Rhode Island

Whether you're a student seeking support, a faculty or staff member looking to become an ally, or a family or community member wanting to help, there are meaningful ways to contribute to the collegiate recovery movement in Rhode Island.

For Students: How to Join

Students interested in joining a Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) can take the following steps:

• Brown University:
  • Contact: Lindsay Garcia
    ^{Associate Dean of the College for Junior/Senior Studies and Recovery & Substance-Free Student Initiatives}
  • Website: Recovery and Substance-Free Initiatives | The College | Brown University
• University of Rhode Island (URI):
  • Contact:
    • Arielle Sherman
      ^{Program Coordinator}
    • Jennifer Hodshon
      ^{Principal Director and Principal Investigator}
  • Website: Substance Use – Counseling Center
• Rhode Island College (RIC):
  • Contact:
    • Tonya Glantz 
      ^{Principal Director/Investigator}
    • Kyle Penrod
      ^{Principal Investigator}
  • Website: RICovery – A Resource for Students Dealing with Substance Abuse | Rhode Island College

For Faculty & Staff: Becoming Allies & Hosting Events

Faculty and staff play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment for students in recovery. Here's how you can get involved:

• Become an Ally:
  • Educate yourself about the challenges faced by students in recovery.
  • Attend training sessions on substance use and recovery offered by your institution.
  • Offer flexible accommodations to students in recovery when possible.
• Host Recovery-Friendly Events:
  • Organize substance-free social events, study groups, or wellness workshops.
  • Collaborate with campus organizations to promote recovery awareness.
  • Provide platforms for students in recovery to share their experiences and insights.

For Families & Community: Support & Referrals

Families and community members are vital in supporting students' recovery journeys. Here's how you can help:

• Provide Emotional Support:
  • Offer encouragement and understanding.
  • Be patient and non-judgmental as students navigate their recovery paths.
• Assist with Referrals:
  • Help students connect with local treatment centers, counseling services, and support groups.
  • Utilize resources like the Rhode Island Department of Health's Addiction & Overdose page for information on local services.
• Engage in Community Activities:
  • Participate in or organize community events that promote recovery awareness.
  • Support initiatives that aim to reduce stigma associated with substance use and recovery.

If you need further assistance or have specific questions about getting involved, feel free to reach out to the contact points provided above. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students in recovery.

Resources & Downloadable Materials

• ARHE
• Research on collegiate recovery outcomes.