Substance Use Recovery

What does addiction feel like?

Addiction is the term used to describe a relationship with a person, place, thing, or substance that one becomes dependent on psychologically or physiologically.  The drug becomes the “go to” feel okay.  There are multiple factors that predispose one to developing substance dependence including family history of mental health challenges or alcohol, nicotine, other drug dependence, as well as tolerance. 

This video, “Nuggets,” offers a glimpse of what it feels like to be addicted and showcases the progression from experimental use to dependency illustrated by a bird without wings who has a dream to fly. 

What is Recovery?

If you identify as a Wildcat in recovery from alcohol, nicotine, cannabis or other drugs, what does your recovery look like?  How would you define or describe your recovery?   

Descriptions of recovery include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self- directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. (SAMHSA) 
• Hope, the belief that these challenges and conditions can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. (SAMHSA) 
• The process of recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. (SAMHSA) 
• Recovery is not just abstaining from all mind-altering substances (i.e., sobriety), but also includes embracing a positive view of wellness and personal growth (Betty Ford Institute, 2007; Laudet, 2007). Recovery is generally seen as a process, rather than a cure, and therefore requires ongoing support and effort to sustain (Harris, Baker, & Cleveland, 2010). 

Thriving In Recovery at College: What Does It Take? 

Your well-being is dependent on your ongoing recovery efforts. 

Make recovery your highest priority! It may feel counterintuitive, however, if your recovery is solid the rest will fall into place.  This is not to say that it will be easy.  Most first year college students experience stress adjusting to college and balancing multiple demands on their time.  Creating a priority list based on your values can help. 

Make a point to reflect on how people, places, and things affect your thinking and stress levels. It’s helpful to notice where you feel at ease, and where you feel dis-ease as you move through your day. Being able to recognize the situations, social media, environments, persons, and things that trigger thoughts about using alcohol or other drugs is essential to safeguarding your recovery.    

Taking space from, and removing triggers, until your recovery is well established is an act of self-care.  

Social connection is VITAL!  Connecting with peers who are also on a path of recovery, can help you navigate the college experience with success. Rather than rely on one person and risk disappointment if they are not available, reach out to a number of people to create your network of support.  

If you are concerned about being isolated or missing out, there are many  ways to make social connections at UNH and experience the excitement of exploring new activities and interests.  It is an absolute misperception that the most fun at college happens by engaging in activities that revolve around use of alcohol or other drugs.  In fact, it’s just the opposite! 

Remember your spirit! Recovery is a one-day-at-a-time commitment that takes tremendous courage, patience and practice—especially on those days when life is particularly challenging.  You are part of this world and you are not alone.  Taking a walk, sitting by a pond or stream, breathing in fresh air, going to the woods, reveling in nature, seeing the vast space of the sky – all these can help shift your perspective when it seems that your troubles are insurmountable. 

You Are Not Alone.

UNH recognizes the need to build a collegiate recovery community that fosters belonging and connection among students. The Supportive Recovery Campus Community (SRCC) is a coalition of campus partners and students working together to create an environment that is inclusive and reduces stigma associated with addiction and recovery. The following are core beliefs of the UNH SRCC: 

• We believe that harm reduction is fundamental to the process of recovery. 
• We believe that peer support, social connection, and a sense of belonging within the campus community are essential to engaging in and maintaining recovery during college. 
• We believe in the power of lived experience and the importance of developing a trauma informed lens to promote resilience. 
• We believe that continually identifying and removing structural and systemic barriers is instrumental in supporting individuals and communities in their recovery. 

UNH Peer Social Support Group - Wildcats for Recovery

Did you know that there is a space on campus where students in recovery can meet, connect, and support each other?    

Are you...

• seeking to meet like-minded Wildcats that want to have fun and are not into the drinking culture?
• looking to connect with other Wildcats who are in the process of changing their relationship to alcohol or other drugs?
• looking for friends to support you in being true to yourself on your recovery journey at UNH?

If yes to any of the above, please drop-in to our weekly meet-ups on THURSDAYS from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Hamel Rec Center, Thrive, Room 238, 2nd floor.

The meetings are a place for students in recovery to socialize and plan activities together under the guidance of trained Student Peer Leaders with lived experience in recovery.   The Student Peer Leaders and are supervised by licensed clinicians from UNH Health & Wellness and Live Free Recovery Consultants (a treatment provider located in Newton, NH). The model for this group is an adaptation of the evidence-based Alternative Peer Group developed and implemented throughout the state by Creating Connections NH, a program out of the UNH Institute on Disability (IOD). 

For more information, email nancy.bushinsky@unh.edu.

Stop the Stigma

Stigma creates a major barrier for people who need support.

About Recovery Services at Health & Wellness 

Health & Wellness serves as a main contact point for Wildcats in or seeking recovery support and for family members seeking information on recovery resources on and off campus.  

Health & Wellness provides a welcoming and inclusive environment.  We understand that recovery is a journey and unique to each individual.    

Our aim is to empower you to be true to your values, express your authentic self, and live each day with a sense of purpose and well-being. 

“The hype around college life and alcohol or other substance use is just that – hype.    Because spending time in situations where alcohol and other drugs are being used—unfortunately, an all-too-common scenario on America's college campuses—and continuing to interact with friends who drink and use drugs are two reliable predictors of relapse, especially in early recovery. Conversely, having a strong support network of pro-recovery peers can serve as a critical counterweight to sustain recovery (Harris, Baker, Kimball, & Shumway, 2008; Harris et al., 2010).” (Source Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation) 

Services to students in recovery are provided by Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Drug (ANOD) Educator / Counselors who are professional staff that can assist you in discovering, maintaining and growing your recovery at UNH. 

We invite you to meet with us to: 

• Support your transition to college and campus life 
• Discuss options for connecting with students in recovery 
• Identify and plan for managing triggers for returning to use in the college setting 
• Connect to campus resources that support your well-being and academic success 
• Acquire knowledge on addiction based on current science and research 
• Gather information on local and online recovery support and resources 
• Reflect on how to use your relapse (re-learning) to strengthen your recovery 
• Participate in creating a thriving recovery community at UNH!   

Individual appointments with our ANOD staff are at no cost, confidential, and tailored to your needs. 

Self-Care

Self-Care is essential for your well-being and provides a strong foundation for a healthy recovery. Below are activities that can support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

• Eating nutritious meals 
• Enjoy the outdoors 
• Meditate 
• Exercise 
• Stay hydrated 
• Talk with people who support you 
• Listen to music or podcasts 
• Read a book 
• Draw/paint 
• Cook/bake 
• Play a board game 
• Leave positive self-notes for yourself 
• Take a social media detox 
• Journal your feelings 
• Live in the moment