• Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease with
genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors
influencing its development and manifestations. Addiction
is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of
the following:
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Impaired control over drug use
Compulsive use
Continued use despite harm
Cravings
From: Graham, A.W.; Schultz, T.K.; Mayo-Smith, M.F.; Ries, R.K.; and Wilford, B.B., eds.
Principles of Addiction Medicine, Third Edition. Chevy Chase, MD: American Society of
Addiction Medicine, Inc., 2003.
•
Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness,
live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
SAMHSA has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery
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•
•
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Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms—for example, abstaining from use
of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem—and, for
everyone in recovery, making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional wellbeing
Home—having a stable and safe place to live
Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family
caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in
society
Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and
hope
SAMHSA's Working Definition of Recovery-2012.
From the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at
Columbia University (CASA), 2007
• 22.9% of college students meet the medical definition for alcohol or drug
abuse or dependence. (The percentage for all people 12 and older is 8.5%)
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•
Substance abuse - A pattern of using that leads to the failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, home or school
and/or repeated drinking in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Substance dependence - An increase in tolerance, withdrawal syndrome, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or
even quit drinking altogether, losing control of alcohol use and consistently drinking more and for longer than
intended. The cardinal features of dependence are compulsion (inability to refrain from taking that drink), loss
of control over alcohol (can’t quit) and continued drinking no matter what the consequences.
http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/treatment/doctors-office/what-is-the-difference-between-alcohol-abuse-anddependence.php#sthash.BDboa7KA.dpuf
• 49% of full-time college students (3.8 million students) binge drink and/or
abuse prescription and illegal drugs.
•
Binge drinking- pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to
0.08 grams percent or above. This typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks, and when
women consume 4 or more drinks, in about 2 hours.
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. NIAAA council approves definition of binge drinking [PDF-1.62MB]. NIAAA Newsletter 2004; No.
3, p. 3.
Additional Data on Substance Use on College Campuses
• 37% of college students feared social stigma attached to substance abuse,
which kept them from seeking help; only 6% of students who met clinical
criteria for alcohol or drug abuse or dependence sought help. (CASA,
2007)
• Among people 18-22 years of age, full-time college students are twice as
likely to use a stimulant for non-medical reasons in the past year
compared to those who aren’t in college or are only part-time students.
(SAMSHA, 2009b)
• College age youth has the highest prevalence rate of non-medical use of
prescription opioids in the US. (McCabe et al, 2007)
How Prevalent is Substance Abuse and Addiction on the
University of Houston Campus?
(Formula created by Texas Tech Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery)
• Total number of students on your campus = 39,974
• Number of students meeting criteria for substance
abuse (31.6%) = 12,631
• Number of students meeting criteria for substance
dependence disorder (6%) = 2,398
• Estimated number of students who are seeking help
for their problem (4%) = 601
How Much Money Can a Collegiate Recovery Community
Save the University of Houston?
(Formula created by Texas Tech Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery)
• Use the following formula to estimate the potential
savings a Collegiate Recovery Community on your
campus could offer the college/university:
• Total number of students who are seeking help = 601
• Estimated number of students who will remain sober
for 6months after seeking help (50%) = 300
• Estimated savings in direct tuition revenue for your
campus over one year = $3,072,300
• Fiscal 2015 Tuition and fees-$10,241
Bridging the Gap Between Recovery and Higher Education
Cougars in Recovery provides students in recovery from addiction a
safe, sober environment that assists and supports them as they pursue
their academic and professional goals, walk the path of recovery and
participate in the diverse social opportunities available on campus.
Cougars in Recovery offers incoming students a smooth transition to
the university, both socially and academically; offers opportunities for
positive sober social interactions; sets standards that hold recovering
students accountable; provides support, guidance and opportunities to
serve the community.
Core Components of Program
• Safe Sober Environment
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•
•
•
•
Lounge accessible to members around the clock
Comfortable furniture
Television with game system
Ping Pong table
Refrigerator stocked with beverages and microwave oven
• Accountability
• Weekly Check-in Meeting to discuss:
• Recovery program
• Academics
• Relationships
• Successes
• Areas where support is needed
Core Components of Program-Continued
• Recovery Support
• Eight twelve-step meetings offered each week
• Individual meetings with program director
• Celebration of Recovery
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•
•
•
Open all recovery meeting
Recognizes all twelve-step programs
Acknowledges milestones in recovery weekly
Supports those who wish to be free
• Community Service
• Cougars in the Community-student organization
• Enriching the community through service and education
Current Members of the ARHE
The Association of Recovery in Higher Education
Augsburg College, University of Michigan, St. Cloud State University, Ohio
University, University of Texas-San Antonio, Penn State University,
University of Alabama, Kennesaw State University, Mississippi State
University, University of Mississippi, Virginia Commonwealth University,
University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Texas Tech University, University of
North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Ohio State University, College of Saint
Scholastica, Case Western Reserve University, Northern State University,
University of Texas at Austin, Fairfield University, Rutgers-The State
University of New Jersey, Vanderbilt University, Baylor University, Georgia
Southern University, Emory University, West Virginia University, University
of Vermont, University of Houston, Longwood University, University of
Georgia, University of Nevada-Reno, University of Oregon, University of
Colorado-Boulder, University of California-Santa Barbara, Southern Oregon
University, University of California-Riverside, University of North CarolinaWilmington, University of Texas-Dallas, University of Florida
http://collegiaterecovery.org/programs
Cougars in Recovery Accomplishments
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Served seventeen students in inaugural year
Spring, 2014 average GPA - 3.016
Currently serving twenty-three students, nine returning members
Average attendance at Celebration of Recovery is 25-30 individuals
Participated in multiple presentations at various community events
Participating in Generation Found, a documentary on the unique
continuum of care offered to young people in recovery in Houston
Established multiple community recruitment partnerships
Collaborating with full UH system to support students in recovery
Supporting Athletics as they establish proactive measures to hold
student athletes accountable and provide education on addiction and
recovery
Partnering with DOS to create a reflection assignment that can be used
by conduct officers to refer students to CIR
Funding Sources for Cougars in Recovery
2014-2015
Actual
2015-2016
Projected
$120,000.00
$50,000.00
$10,000.00
$2,100.00
$500.00
$1,500.00
$165,000.00
$50,000.00
$10,000.00
$3,500.00
$182,100.00
$2,000.00
$228,500.00
2013-2014
Actual
2014-2015
Projected
Foundations
Corporations
Individuals
In-Kind
$90,000.00
$0.00
$7,250.00
$1,330.00
Total
$98,580.00
Budget for Cougars in Recovery
PERSONNEL
Program Director
Second Staff Member
Fringe Benefits
Student Assistant(s)
TOTAL PERSONNEL
OPERATING EXPENSES
IT Charge
Supplies
Printing
Rental Space
Misc/Work Orders
Admin Charges (6% of total expenses)
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
Networking, Marketing and Communications
Promotional and Educational Materials
Memberships
Conferences
Other Travel/Community Service/Study
Abroad
Total Networking, Marketing and
Communications
STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Community activities
Financial assistance for recovery students
Housing scholarships
Recovery Literature
TOTAL STUDENT ASSISTANCE
TOTAL PROGRAM BUDGET
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
$27,167.00
$0.00
$6,751.30
$0.00
$33,918.30
$46,572.00
$0.00
$13,205.00
$0.00
$59,777.00
$46,572.00
$46,572.00
$26,410.00
$0.00
$119,554.00
$0.00
$765.56
$116.00
$365.70
$504.32
$0.00
$1,751.58
$100.00
$5,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$100.00
$4,919.00
$12,119.00
$100.00
$5,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$100.00
$4,919.00
$12,119.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$5,000.00
$500.00
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
$500.00
$7,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$10,000.00
$0.00
$10,500.00
$22,500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$35,669.88
$10,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$200.00
$10,200.00
$92,596.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$9,375.00
$200.00
$29,575.00
$183,748.00
“Joining CIR was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Before joining I felt a fear about being on campus. I
was afraid to eat lunch in the common areas or even explore the buildings on campus. I had no idea what the
University had to offer me as a student. Now, I feel as if I have a purpose and a reason to be here. As a result,
my grades have improved, and I actually enjoy coming to campus. I look forward to being a part of our group's
growth and helping new students on their journey through academia and recovery.” –UH Junior
“I am a part of the CIR program for the first time this upcoming semester and I am excited to be a part of such an
up and coming program. I believe CIR will give me a safe environment to keep me grounded in my recovery.
During the college semester it is easy for me to get so caught up in school that everything else goes out of the
window. I need people in my life like John and Barbara to be there for support, healthy advising, and direction.
This program offers me a chance to be away from the typical collegiate party scene and have fun in a sober
environment. I look forward to the relationships I will build and the next few years to come! Go Coogs! “-UH
Junior
“Before I sobered up, I can remember walking around campus and feeling like a ghost. My college experience
was virtually nonexistent. After treatment and my year-long residence in sober living, Cougars in Recovery filled
the void of accountability and sense of community that sober living had previously provided. During the spring
semester, and with the hiring of the Program Director John Shiflet, it was awesome to watch CIR blossom and
grow. The sense of camaraderie and relief that I had expected when signing up was fulfilled! -UH Senior
“Those of us who have sons and daughters who are academically and socially capable, but who need this "extra"
community support - practical and recovery-based - are forever in your debt for forging this path. We are DELIGHTED
that our son has become involved. We hear constantly about what a difference your staff and the other students have
made in his daily life. I so like how your emphasis is to support the recovering student, while at the same time ensuring
their PLACE in the University. As I understand it, CIR is not a place and a program somehow separate and apart from
University life, but rather endeavoring to be an essential part of the collegiate experience. CIR can do MUCH for the
University - it's understanding of this disease; education about addictions; and a safe place to learn more. Bottom
line: Recognizing that you are there fundamentally for the addict and the alcoholic, you are not set up as some kind of
"rescue" situation. Rather, you are helping ordinary students, with acute but not uncommon problems, negotiate an
academically and socially challenging time in one's life. You have our support in every way.” –UH Parent
“I graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, one of the nation's premier party
schools. Upon graduation, I had 15 months sober. That 15 months was a very lonely time, as I was one of 3 kids in the
whole undergrad and law school population who was sober or, at least, attending meetings. Many of my friends took
time off to go to rehab or to attend to issues, only to return and recommence drinking and drug use or not come back
at all. My quality of life during those 15 months was very poor. My mother actually moved up to Lexington to be with
me and help me get through the last six weeks. A program like yours sure could have helped me - a sober
dorm?! Seriously?! I had to live in the infirmary for 3 weeks! Oh what a blessing you are to these students, their
families and those who will surely follow them. I just wanted to reach out and applaud you for your undertaking.”
-Member of Houston Recovery Community
Texas Collegiate Recovery Communities in the News
“Houston Cougars Launch New CRC” (page 9)
“The Ultimate Volunteer” (Page 46-49)
“No Limits, Austin Leads the Way as The University of Texas System Unanimously Votes to
Extend Collegiate Recovery to all UT Academic Institutions” (page 26-32)
http://www.recoverycampusdigital.com/issue3
“ ‘Like Kitty Harris Says’, A visionary leader at Texas Tech passes the torch-and takes up another”
http://www.recoverycampusdigital.com/issue2
Responsibilities of Program Director
• Ensures the fulfillment of the Cougars in Recovery mission and vision
• Maintains relationships between the recovery program and
university administration
• Acts as educator, counselor, group facilitator and mentor to students
• Structures and supervises peer to peer activities
• Recruits potential community members
• Develops program strategic plans
• Designs and implements program evaluation measures
Our Pledge
• Empower our students to have quality, lasting Recovery through the
Collegiate Recovery Community
• Enrich the lives of our students through Service work within the university,
local, state, and national levels
• Nurture and encourage our students as they walk through their Spiritual
journey of Recovery
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for our students to excel in
their Academic process
• Create a sense of Community among our students that will last a life time