9/26/24 Grand Rounds

Collegiate Recovery Programs: A Comprehensive Approach to
Supporting Students in Recovery

Speaker:
Headshot of Noel Vest

Noel Vest, PhD
Assistant Professor, Community Health Sciences
Boston University School of Public Health

The presentation will focus on Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) across the U.S. CRPs support students recovering from substance use disorders by providing peer recovery support, alcohol- and drug-free events, and access to mutual-help groups. Despite their growth, little research has been conducted on CRPs, with only limited internal evaluations and one small NIH-funded project to date. This study will address these gaps by systematically gathering data on CRPs’ structures, best practices, and participant outcomes. The research also aims to develop a toolkit to guide the dissemination of evidence-based CRP practices, enhancing program effectiveness across various educational institutions.

Learning Objectives:
    1. Describe the core components and best practices of Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) and their role in supporting students in recovery from substance use disorders.
    2. Analyze the current state of CRP implementation across U.S. educational institutions, identifying key facilitators and barriers to program success and sustainability.
    3. Explain the development and application of a toolkit for evidence-based CRP practices, designed to guide institutions in creating, improving, and maintaining effective recovery support systems.