10 Best U.S. Colleges For Addiction Recovery

Some young people view binge drinking and other types of drug abuse as a normal part of college student life. However, many students struggle with drug addiction (substance use disorder), and they often have trouble staying sober on college campuses that celebrate drugs. 

As a result, many schools have programs dedicated to addiction recovery. Here are some of the best.

1. Augsburg University (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Augsburg University is home to one of the country’s oldest and largest college recovery programs. 

Known as StepUP, the program strives to build a supportive community for college students battling addiction and other mental health concerns. It offers peer recovery meetings, mentor programs, and counseling sessions with licensed addiction counselors. 

Students can also take advantage of the program’s substance-free housing options (also called “sober living houses”). These options help students avoid the drug-related triggers found in traditional residence halls. 

2. Fairfield University (Fairfield, Connecticut)

The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) at Fairfield University provides a variety of support services for students in recovery, including:

• group counseling
• career counseling
• academic success support
• recovery housing
• Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOCA) meetings

The program also offers recreational activities such as bowling, rock climbing, and movie nights. These activities help students bond and enjoy a drug-free college experience. 

3. Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, Georgia)

Georgia Southern University created the Center for Addiction Recovery to assist students striving toward long-term recovery. Students can apply to the program after staying sober for at least six months. 

Once accepted to the program, they will attend weekly seminars meant to guide them on their recovery journeys. They will also have the chance to attend recovery conferences, leadership retreats, and a sober study abroad program. 

4. Mississippi State University (Starkville, Mississippi)

In 2013, Mississippi State University founded its Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC). 

This program provides counseling, seminars, and peer support groups to empower students in recovery. In addition, it offers the CRC Scholarship to students who have achieved six or more months of sobriety.

The university also has a Recovery Ally Program for students interested in addiction recovery advocacy. This program helps students create a more recovery-friendly campus.

5. Rutgers University (New Brunswick, New Jersey)

In 1988, Rutgers University opened The Rutgers Recovery House, the country’s first residence hall for students in recovery. It offers a safe, supportive environment for students who want to avoid drug use.

The university also established the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This program provides a variety of recovery resources, such as:

• individual and group counseling
• peer support meetings
• academic and career support
• sober social events

6. Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas)

Texas Tech University established the Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities (CCRC) in 1986. As one of the oldest college recovery programs, it’s designed for students recovering from substance use disorders as well as eating disorders. 

The program provides a variety of support services to help students succeed personally, academically, and professionally. It also offers scholarships for students who meet certain GPA requirements. 

7. University Of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida)

As part of its Student Health Services program, the University of Central Florida offers a Collegiate Recovery Community. 

This program provides individual counseling and recovery support meetings to help students stay sober. It also hosts sober events so recovering students can connect and build a supportive community. 

In addition, students can turn to the program for referrals to off-campus support groups and treatment programs.

8. University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, Colorado)

The University of Colorado Boulder launched its Collegiate Recovery Community to ensure sober students have a healthy, fulfilling college experience. It offers a variety of recovery resources, including:

• individual counseling
• recovery meetings, including specialized meetings for women/AFAB people and members of the LGBTQ+  community
• wellness activities, including zen meditation and acupuncture 

Students can also join SoberBuffs, a student organization that hosts fun, sober activities like bowling, hiking, and trivia. 

9. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, students in recovery are encouraged to join the Carolina Recovery Program. 

This program connects students with sober peers and mentors. It also offers substance-free housing, support groups, recovery workshops, and sober events. These resources are meant to build sober support systems and boost each student’s well-being.

10. University Of Vermont (Burlington, Vermont)

The University of Vermont started the Catamount Recovery Program to help students maintain sobriety throughout college. It offers resources such as:

• group therapy
• support groups
• mentor programs
• substance-free housing
• sober activities, including hikes, game nights, and holiday parties
• volunteer opportunities 
• referrals to off-campus treatment services

The program also has a dedicated space for sober students to spend time together. Available 24/7, it features a stocked pantry, ping pong table, and other amenities to help students relax and have fun.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our compassionate treatment providers offer medical detox, mental health counseling, and other addiction treatment services to help you or your loved one stay sober.