BIO

Ben is a first-year student majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience at Florida State University. He serves as an undergraduate research assistant for the recovery ally program within the Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW). As a research assistant within the CRP, he has gained insight into the importance of peer support during recovery and the need to destigmatize recovery. Throughout his undergraduate experience, he plans to continue to work to end stigmas about substance use and recovery among college students. His career goals include becoming a physician where he can continue to serve as an ally for the recovery community.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Recovery Ally Programs: Preliminary Evidence From a First Year Pilot

Abstract

Students engage in risky and unhealthy behaviors involving substance (mis)use that can negatively impact their lives. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) combat this by promoting supportive environments. Living Intentionally, Finding Togetherness (LIFT) is the CRP at Florida State University (FSU) designed to support students in recovery from addiction or substance use disorders, including dismantling stigmas surrounding recovery. Individuals in recovery experience stigma which brings them feelings of shame in a time of need (Luoma et. al, 2007). The Recovery Ally Program (RAP) is an outreach pathway by LIFT that teaches self-monitoring around addictive behaviors and addresses stigmas about the recovery community by encouraging conversations regarding substance (mis)use among peers. This presentation describes our implementation process using a student-centered approach, evaluation, and directions for scaling.

Keywords: health and wellness, collegiate recovery