Characteristics of a collegiate recovery community: Maintaining recovery in an abstinence-hostile environment

Abstract

As adolescents have entered substance abuse treatment programs in greater numbers than ever before [Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, 2004. Substance abuse treatment by primary substance of abuse. ( http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/dasis.htm#teds2). Retrieved September 2004], increasing numbers of young adults are beginning college in 12-step recovery. Unfortunately, with social contexts organized around excessive alcohol consumption, colleges may be the most difficult place through which to control drinking behaviors, let alone remain abstinent. This study used data collected during 2004 and 2005 to describe members of the largest collegiate recovery community in the United States. Included in this study are the following: a description of the program that supports the community, the methods and measurements used to collect data, and results describing the substance use history and characteristics of the community members ( N = 82). Collected at a large southwestern university, the data provide drug and alcohol counselors, treatment providers, school administrators, and researchers with the first description of a large collegiate recovery community.