A New Place for Students to Talk

- By Haylee Lenkey, Assistant News Editor

The Drop-In Center hosted its first Recovery Room on Tuesday. Run as a loose, confidential meet-up, it is geared towards students in recovery that are in need of a safe, secure environment to network with others.

“We need to reduce the fear and stigma sometimes associated with a person in recovery and link students up to the proper support services to help them achieve their academic goals,” said Dr. Marie Cascarano, Health Promotion coordinator.

The goal of the program is to offer students in recovery programs the chance to meet and find others that can understand their position or help keep accountability. It is not run as a formal support group or treatment program like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Al-Anon. It is stressed that students in need of a treatment program or professional counseling should seek counsel at CAPS first.

CAPS was contacted to speak on the matter, but were unable to comment.

Certainly, there is need for this kind of group on campus, as there are many students dealing with personal paths of recovery who might not be aware that their peers are valuable resources on which they may rely.

“We are finding more students are coming to us having already been in recovery, whether they are students ages 18-24 who began treatment in high school or those who postponed college and now getting life on track,” said Cascarona.

  The idea was brought to the attention of Cascarano by an anonymous student who felt the need for this kind of support on campus. Held between 4-5 p.m, the Recovery Room is the first meet-up of this kind that has been held at MSU in years.

The program is in its early stages and plans to grow as per the needs of the students and the continuity of the meetings. The Recovery Room could include more structure in the future should the need arise.

Sparked by an email blast sent out on Jan. 18, there has been an overwhelming response across campus to the emergence of the Recovery Room from faculty and students alike, as its merits are clear and needed.

“I think, in general, the human experience is shared,” said Celina Vibert, a fine arts major. “The more of a support system you find, the less you feel alone, no matter what your issue, and I think taking a proactive approach to any kind of substance abuse or mental health issue should always be commended.”

Indeed, as more students become aware, many might be able to network and find useful resources and support while on campus. In the future, there are hopes that a confidential community and student housing for those that are maintaining programs of sobriety will be started on campus.

The primary goal of the Recovery Room is to provide peace of mind and support. “It’s just another support network to those students trying to achieve academic success and I think it sends a message that the University is here for them,” said Cascarona.