National Recovery Month Awareness

Wondering why the Dome was lit up purple recently? In honor of National Recovery Month, observed every September to educate the nation about substance use and mental health, and the treatments and services available, we lit the Dome purple to raise awareness! The month also celebrates those who are in all stages of recovery/treatment and the communities, providers and allies who make recovery possible.

Why Is Promoting Recovery Resources On Campus Important?

College is typically a time of self-discovery for students; there’s a chance to be exposed to so many new friends, lifestyles, social environments and stressors. College students may end up experimenting with substances at some point in their college careers for a large list of reasons. Knowing this, it is important for students to know the activities and resources available.

There are a bunch of activities and resources available to all students, whether you are looking for more education, sober curious or in recovery. Below are some examples of activities and resources available on campus, but you can read more about them on the Barnes Center website. You can also direct any questions about the services, schedule an appointment or, if you’re interested in a program, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch by email or by calling 315.443.8000.

Campus Resources

Orange Recovery: A community on campus that meets on a weekly basis in several capacities – most importantly serving as a biweekly support meeting for students in recovery. Additionally, this group attends sober supportive events through recreation programs at Barnes Center at the Arch and Orange After Dark events, including trips to NYC, movie premiere nights, cosmic bowling, stress-busting events and more. Orange Recovery provides a space to support students’ concerns surrounding recovery such as transitioning to campus living, balancing recovery with academic obligations and more. Orange Recovery Community is open to students already in recovery as well as those who are sober curious.

Barnes Center at The Arch Group Therapy: Along with individualized therapy, the Barnes Center offers two specific group therapy sessions targeting substance use and recovery: Options Prevention Group and Options Recovery Group. In these groups, students can explore their relationship with substances or work in an abstinence-based group to promote healing and recovery from the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Wellness Leadership Institute (WLI) Workshops: These workshops cover all aspects of health and wellness, including substance-related topics such as Alcohol Safety 101 and Narcan and Opioid Training. WLI also offers a workshop to students, Recovery Ally Training, that includes information on supporting the culture of recovery and empowering others to live genuinely.

Be Wise Peer Educators: Peer Educators provide education-focused resources and services on campus and on Instagram (@bewellsu) through interactive programming and other outreach opportunities. The Be Wise team focuses on educating and empowering students to make informed choices regarding the use of alcohol and other substances.

Substance Free Theme Housing: Substance Free theme housing is available for first- and second-year students looking to live in a community without alcohol or other substances. Residents in this community also participate in sober social events together.

Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling: The Barnes Center offers counseling relating to general mental health, including individual appointments, various therapy groups and a 24-hour support line. All support can be reached at 315.443.8000.

Headspace: New this year, students have access to a free Headspace premium account on a first-come, first-served basis.

Off-Campus Resources

There are also many nearby off-campus resources available that can be used by students. Below is a list of some resources and their websites.

Written By Taylor Koennecke ’23, College of Arts and Sciences, Peer Educator Be Wise

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