Addiction and Recovery Center Commended by US Government

When it comes to drug control policy, the U.S. government typically has focused its attention on addiction, crime and punishment. However, the Office of National Drug Control Policy recently added “recovery” to its annual report, citing the Texas Tech Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery (CSAR) as the model for collegiate recovery programs.

According to a recent study, 44 percent of full-time college students reported binge drinking in the month prior to the study. Another 20 percent admitted they had used marijuana or other illicit drugs, including pills or medicine.

CSAR provides peer-based support, 12-step support, and academic services for more than 80 students in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions, as well as eating disorders.

“We have come a long way in a short time,” said Kitty Harris, director of the center. “We have produced enough positive results that the White House had no choice, but to stop and take notice.”

Harris is now working with officials in Washington, D.C., to come up with a new drug policy based on the findings at CSAR. The highly successful program is now replicated at 21 campuses nationwide, with several more scheduled to open in the fall.

“Ours has been a program of attraction, rather than promotion,” Harris said. “We have never approached a campus about replicating our program. They have always come to us.”

A recent article in the publication “Inside Higher Ed” called CSAR “the gold standard of campus recovery programs.”

“Our program is proof that a grass-roots effort, and a little hard work, can really pay off,” Harris said. “And the rewards are priceless.”

 

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