As National Recovery Month Comes to an End the CRC Hopes to Continue the Conversation Around Recovery

Lexington, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2020) — September is National Recovery Month. The national observance held every September works to educate Americans on the topic of substance use treatment and how they can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery.

At the University of Kentucky, the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) is a program designed to allow students in recovery, individuals impacted by substance use and allies to connect with others who have a similar experience and engage allies to further cultivate a recovery ready campus. 

In honor of National Recovery Month, the CRC is working to initiate conversations around what it means to be an ally. Additionally, they plan to prioritize the learning and understanding of substance use disorders and recovery for the students they serve. 

As Recovery Month is coming to an end, UKNow spoke with Ivy Bruce, program coordinator for the CRC, in hopes of continuing the conversation around substance use disorders, treatment and recovery. 

UKNow: What are the contributing factors that may lead to substance use disorders? When should someone consider visiting the CRC?

Bruce: Substance use disorders are incredibly complex, and deeply personal to the individual. It’s very hard to give a concrete list of what contributes to the disease and what does not. I recommend starting with the 2016 Surgeon General's report "Facing Addiction in America."

UKNow: Do you think COVID-19 has had an impact on students’ journeys through recovery?

Bruce: I can’t speak for students and their collective recovery experience. But what I do know is that community and the connections that can be cultivated within it are often central tenets of recovery. The unique challenges COVID has created have tested many individuals' recovery journeys in various ways. Fortunately, my colleagues within the recovery field are tenacious in their work and creativity, and together we continue to find solutions to the unique challenges presented. 

UKNow: How can students work to stay connected to the CRC during COVID? 

Bruce: Students can always reach out to me for personalized recovery resources and check-ins. They can also locate a variety of recovery meeting resources on our website. I personally recommend the Association of Recovery in Higher Education’s All Southeastern Conference Meeting. The details for that meeting are listed on our site.

UKNow: Substance use disorders do not happen in a vacuum and often times deeply affect the family and friends closest to the individual with a substance use disorder. How can friends and family support their friends in recovery with the CRC? 

Bruce: There are three things I would recommend here. First, make sure you know what your boundaries are and are respecting them. Secondly, prioritize your mental health. Whether that’s seeing a mental health professional or engaging in activities that fill you up, make sure you take time for you. Third, attend a peer support meeting with other individuals like you. It’s important to remember that we can’t control our loved ones, but we can control ourselves. By filling up our cup we enable ourselves to be a better support system for our loved one throughout their recovery journey.

UKNow: What is the most common misconception about substance use disorders?

Bruce: I think one of the common misconceptions is that it’s a choice. Substance use disorders are intricate diseases, which we’re still working to understand. While we’ve made advancements in our understanding and research, there’s still a long way to go. One of my favorite pieces of the Surgeon General's report is how it highlights similarities between substance use disorders and other chronic diseases. This excerpt is a great starting place for those beginning their journey as an ally: “Although the mechanisms may be different, addiction has many features in common with disorders such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. All of these disorders are chronic, subject to relapse, and influenced by genetic, developmental, behavioral, social, and environmental factors. In all of these disorders, affected individuals may have difficulty in complying with the prescribed treatment.” 

UKNow: How can we change the conversation surrounding substance use disorders? How do we ultimately lessen the stigma?

Bruce: I think the first step is to have the conversation and being okay with doing that imperfectly. Substance use can be a very taboo topic and when we don’t talk openly and honestly about it, we have potential to do more harm than good. It’s also important to remember that understanding isn’t a prerequisite to providing empathy. When we approach tough conversations with empathy and openness, we set ourselves up for growth and forward progress. 

Do you need one-on-one resource support? E-mail ivy.bruce@uky.edu to schedule a virtual meeting. For more information about the CRC contact them at 859-257-7048.