IUPUI's Collegiate Recovery Community celebrates National Recovery Month this September

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About 4.5 percent of undergraduate students at IUPUI are in recovery from substance misuse or behavioral addictions. That is twice the national average of students in recovery. That statistic only accounts for undergraduate students – 2.9% of graduate students identify as being in recovery as well. This is why National Recovery Month, which happens in September, is essential to IUPUI’s campus community.

"Having a specific month for recovery is so important for those individuals who are in recovery," said Danielle Wolfe, assistant director of substance misuse prevention for Health and Wellness Promotion. "We want to not only raise awareness about recovery, but also destigmatize the idea of what recovery is."

Wolfe was quick to clarify that National Recovery Month is not only for those recovering from substance misuse. It also celebrates students recovering from behavioral addictions such as gambling, self-harm and eating disorders. The Collegiate Recovery Community’s (CRC) presence on campus gives students in recovery the chance to talk about their experiences with other students they can relate to.

IUPUI’s CRC began in 2014, making it the first university recovery program in Indiana. The CRC, with the assistance of Health and Wellness Promotion, provides a variety of resources that include counseling, support meetings, reserved study spaces and other services for students in recovery.

"Being involved in the Collegiate Recovery Community at IUPUI has helped me find a place to feel safe and included," a psychology major in IUPUI’s CRC said.

"The CRC is one of the main reasons I chose IUPUI over any other university," said another member.

In honor of National Recovery Month, several events will be held throughout September to spread awareness.

Recovery Month Kickoff and Awareness Walk

Friday, Sept. 2
Starts at noon | Wood Fountain 

To kick off the month and nod to the official color of National Recovery Month, Wood Fountain will be dyed purple. Then, the CRC and IUPUI community will walk 1.25 miles around campus while providing educational resources about the recovery process. The walk is open to all students, staff, faculty and four-legged friends that want to join. If participants pre-register, they will receive a free recovery month t-shirt.

Campus Cleanup

Thursday, Sept. 15
Starts at 11 a.m. | Taylor Courtyard

At this year’s campus cleanup, volunteers will pick up tobacco products and other trash, while also raising awareness about IUPUI’s tobacco free policy. Any student, staff or faculty member is invited to volunteer, whether it be for 15 minutes or the full four hours.

SAPB Movie Series

The Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB) will screen a series of movies starring actors or actresses in recovery, culminating in the annual Flick and Float, which takes place in IUPUI's Natatorium.

Narcan Training

Several Narcan trainings will be held throughout the month to teach participants how to use Naloxone nasal spray — which counteracts opioid overdoses and is an important tool for anyone’s emergency kit. At the end of each training, participants will receive two Narcan brand nasal sprays to take home.

These events not only support students in recovery, but educate other students about what it means to be in recovery and what they can do to help. Wolfe noted that being educated is key to being a recovery ally.

"Educate yourself about what recovery is, what resources are around town and what recovery can look like. Reach out to one of those friends you may know who is in recovery," she said.

Looking to get involved with or support the CRC? View the National Recovery Month events calendar or follow the CRC on social media for additional information.

Recovery Month events are sponsored by Health and Wellness Promotion.