College recovery programs typically include peer support groups, sober living options, academic counseling, and recovery-focused activities. They create a supportive community where students can pursue their educational goals without compromising their recovery journey.[2] Many programs also offer relapse prevention strategies, life skills training, and connections to local recovery resources as well.
The level of care in CRPs varies but generally falls between outpatient treatment and independent living. They provide a safety net for students transitioning from more intensive treatment settings to the potentially triggering college environment. By offering both recovery support and academic assistance, these programs aim to increase the likelihood of successful degree completion while maintaining long-term sobriety.
How (and Why) the College Recovery Program Works at MARC
College Recovery Programs work by providing a comprehensive lifestyle and academic support system for students in recovery, addressing both their academic and recovery needs.[3] These programs recognize that the college environment can be challenging for young people in recovery, offering a structured approach to help students balance their educational pursuits with their commitment to sobriety.
At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC), we offer specialized academic support tailored to each student’s unique situation. The program works by integrating academic advising with recovery support, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed in both areas.
MARC patients engaged in higher learning with support in MARC’s College Success program have an averageGPA of 3.587
The MARC College Success program is specifically effective for individuals who have taken a leave, dropped out, or failed out of college due to substance and mental health issues. It’s designed to help you learn to integrate back into higher education while also attending treatment in early recovery. Case management at this level will be geared toward the patient/student, their supportive family members, and the key stakeholders at the college or university. This helps ensure the patient/student is getting the necessary support needed to thrive in treatment and academics
MARC’s approach includes arranging medical leave for students entering treatment, assisting with college applications or degree completion, and providing guidance on practical matters like budgeting and scholarship identification. The program also offers advocacy for high school students, covering areas such as GED preparation and course planning. By collaborating closely with clinical and recovery teams, MARC ensures that educational plans align with each student’s recovery goals and personal interests, creating a holistic support system that addresses all aspects of a student’s life in recovery.
The Efficacy of College Recovery Programs
College Recovery Programs play a crucial role in addressing the high rates of substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) among young adults. The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a critical and often difficult period, with SUD rates tripling from 7% to 20% during this stage, with alcohol use disorders alone increasing from 5.4% to 17.2%.[4]
I am very fortunate and grateful I was able to be a patient at MARC for 9 months. It was a challenging program but it has helped me tremendously find footing in my early recovery. I have had multiple bouts of sobriety in the past but relapsed, I now feel very confident moving forward after experiencing the therapy I received at MARC. I would recommend this treatment facility to anybody who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone or has a window of willingness to change. It’s not an easy program to complete and I was challenged periodically but the professionals that I encountered pushed me to do the work on myself that was necessary. My family is just as grateful and that is a blessing.
MIKE H.
Recovering Patient
Without MARC, I would not have much of a life right now. Yes, this place is an addiction treatment center, and surely does intensive therapy for addiction and mental illness. But the residence/community living treatment program also teaches you invaluable life skills such as cleanliness, organization, work ethic, budgeting, communication, and interpersonal skills. Though some of these times for me were extremely difficult, and I hated being in treatment some of the time, I’m grateful to MARC for giving me a shot at an actual life. They don’t do the work for you, but they push you, and it’s up to you if you use the guidance/push to actually move forward.
THOMAS F.
Recovering Patient
I cannot recommend MARC enough. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. The staff is incredibly caring and dedicated to helping patients overcome addiction. The treatment programs are top-notch and tailored to meet each individual's needs. The facility itself is clean, comfortable, and conducive to healing. I am grateful for the time I spent here and will forever be in debt to the staff for saving my life. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, this is the place to go. Five stars!
CASEY
Recovering Patient
Maryland addiction recovery center absolutely saved my life. Multiple times. I have been through several rehab facilities, and MARC was the only treatment center that showed a genuine care for my well-being. They continued to follow up with me afterwards, and 5 years after going through their program, they are still reaching out and extending their hand. I would highly recommend anyone to go through any of their programs.
DAVE D.
Recovering Patient
Marc’s therapeutic approach, mixed with AA/NA fellowships has saved my life ten times over. I came to Marc broken and scared. I had no idea how to live without the use of substances. Marc gives you the resources, and a community of people that show you, you can live a life beyond your wildest dreams. They offer a family program that allows you to improve on family dynamics, individual therapy, group therapy, rides to meetings, and a plethora of other services. It’s also important to note that even after completing Marc they still support me and my family. They genuinely care about their patients and I am forever grateful for the impact Marc continues to have on my life.
AUGUST J.
Recovering Patient
Years of experience
0
How We Determine Your Level of Care at MARC
MARC takes a personalized approach to determine the appropriate level of care for each student in our College Recovery Program. The process is designed to be comprehensive and collaborative, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed in both their recovery and academic pursuits.
The determination process begins with a thorough assessment conducted by a MARC Collegiate Recovery Specialist. This initial meeting allows us to understand the student’s unique situation, including their recovery status, academic history, and future goals.
Based on this assessment, we create a customized plan that outlines specific academic goals and incorporates recommendations from the student’s therapist. This plan takes into account the student’s individual needs and aspirations, whether they’re working towards completing high school, pursuing vocational training, attending a public or private university, or entering graduate school.
The plan is then continuously monitored and adjusted as needed. This ongoing process involves regular collaboration between the student, the Collegiate Recovery Specialist, and the therapy team. By working together, we can ensure that the level of care remains appropriate and effective as the student progresses through their recovery and academic journey.
What Kinds of Support Can MARC’s College Recovery Program Provide?
Our comprehensive support includes:
Arranging medical leave for college students entering treatment
Assisting students in gaining acceptance to colleges or technical schools
Supporting the completion of degrees started before treatment
Helping transfer credits from prior studies
Developing tailored educational plans based on goals and grade level
Guiding students in creating school-year budgets
Identifying potential scholarships to offset academic costs
Collaborating with clinical and recovery teams to find the best-fitting programs that support both educational needs and recovery
Providing advocacy for high school students in areas such as GED prep, tutoring, course planning, extracurricular activities, summer plans, jobs, and scholarships
This tailored approach allows us to provide the right level of support at every stage, helping students successfully navigate their educational path while maintaining their recovery.
College Recovery Programs offer specialized support tailored to students in recovery, which goes beyond traditional college support services. While standard services might focus on academic counseling or general mental health support, CRPs provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both recovery and academic needs. They typically offer sober living options, recovery-specific support groups, and peer mentoring from others in recovery. CRPs also often provide education about addiction and recovery to the wider campus community, creating a more supportive environment for students in recovery. Unlike traditional services, CRPs understand the unique challenges faced by recovering students and offer targeted interventions to help maintain sobriety while pursuing academic goals.
College Recovery Programs support academic success through a multi-faceted approach. They often provide dedicated academic advisors who understand the unique challenges of balancing recovery with academic demands. These advisors can help with course selection, time management, and study skills tailored to the needs of recovering students. Many CRPs offer tutoring services, study group meetings, and workshops on academic skills. They also facilitate communication with professors when needed, helping to arrange accommodations if a student needs to attend recovery meetings or deal with recovery-related issues.
Additionally, CRPs create a supportive community of peers who can share strategies for academic success while maintaining recovery, fostering an environment where both sobriety and scholastic achievement are prioritized and celebrated.
Many College Recovery Programs recognize the importance of career development and offer internship or job placement assistance. These services often include resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with alumni in recovery who have successful careers. Some CRPs have partnerships with local businesses or organizations that are recovery-friendly, providing opportunities for internships or part-time jobs that accommodate the needs of students in recovery. Career counselors within CRPs may also help students explore career paths that align with their recovery journey and personal goals. This support extends beyond graduation, with many programs offering alumni networks and continued career guidance to help students transition successfully into the workforce while maintaining their recovery.
Yes, most College Recovery Programs recognize the prevalence of co-occurring mental health issues among individuals in recovery and offer support that extends beyond addiction. Many CRPs have licensed mental health professionals on staff or maintain close relationships with campus counseling services. They often provide access to individual therapy, support groups for specific mental health concerns (such as anxiety or depression), and workshops on mental wellness topics. CRPs typically take a holistic approach to recovery, understanding that mental health is integral to overall well-being and sustained recovery. They may also offer mindfulness training, stress management techniques, and other evidence-based practices to support students' mental health alongside their recovery from substance use disorders.
Many College Recovery Programs recognize the importance of family involvement in a student's recovery journey and offer ways for family members to participate. This can include family education programs about addiction and recovery, support groups for parents and siblings, and family therapy sessions. Some CRPs host family weekends or events where relatives can visit and learn more about the program. They may also provide resources and guidance to help families support their loved one's recovery while respecting the student's independence. However, the level of family involvement is typically determined by the student's preferences and needs, adhering to privacy regulations, and the principle of self-determination in recovery. The goal is to create a supportive network that extends beyond the campus, reinforcing the student's recovery efforts.
[2] Smith, R. L., Bannard, T., McDaniel, J., Fazil Aliev, Brown, A. L., Holliday, E., Vest, N., Waltrina DeFrantz-Dufor, Dick, D. M., McDaniel, J., Brown, A. L., Bannard, T., Whitney, J., Waltrina DeFrantz-Dufor, Statman, M., Anne Thompson Heller, Smith, R. L., Holliday, E., & Vest, N. (2023). Characteristics of students participating in collegiate recovery programs and the impact of COVID-19: an updated national longitudinal study. Addiction Research & Theory, 1–10. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16066359.2023.2216459 on August 7, 2024
[4] Laudet, A., Harris, K., Kimball, T., Winters, K. C., & Moberg, D. P. (2014). Collegiate Recovery Communities Programs: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know? Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 14(1), 84–100. https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3952555/ on August 7, 2024
[5] Hennessy, E. A., Nichols, L. M., Brown, T. B., & Tanner-Smith, E. E. (2022). Advancing the science of evaluating Collegiate Recovery Program processes and outcomes: A recovery capital perspective. Evaluation and Program Planning, 91, 102057. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8986624/ on August 7, 2024
[6] Herold, M. (n.d.). Student Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Collegiate Recovery Student Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Collegiate Recovery Programs and Collegiate Recovery Communities Programs and Collegiate Recovery Communities. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2478&context=etd on August 7, 2024
