Substance abuse dependence is a problem that affects 2.2 million children aged 12 to 17 and 6.8 million young adults aged 18 to 25 who suffer from drug addiction.  74% of Americans have relatives, friends or personal experience with substance dependence. As indicated by its 2004 research, SAMSHA maintained that nearly 7.4 million to 19.6% of youth aged 12 to 20 were considered to be binge drinkers. 6.3% of the said population was also categorized as heavy alcohol drinkers.

Trends and predictions regarding recovery programs on campus

A college-based recovery program was started 20 years ago by Texas Tech University. It has influenced other colleges/universities to realize the significance of adapting programs that would help students in their recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism. Since then, sober living facilities and academic programs tailored to meet the needs of these students were made. The alarming figure of 1,400 alcohol-related campus deaths annually may also increase the chance of colleges adapting recovery programs in the coming years.

The alarming figure of 1,400 alcohol-related campus deaths annually may also increase the chance of colleges adapting recovery programs.
Some colleges/universities recognize that these age groups have different issues regarding their substance abuse dependence in contrast to other age groups. Among these issues are:

•     Tough peer pressure
  
•     Physical and mental development
 
•     Existence of other medical or psychological disorders
 
•     Different sets of values 

Because of these, some colleges and universities offer recovery programs. They sponsor sober living housing for their students. They also provide students with drug/alcohol problems a place to live with other recovery addicts that is free of substances. Furthermore, these students receive case management (sober coach/counselor/etc.) and random drug tests.

Recovery services provide at Sober Colleges

• Residential/ academic programs or departments. These are designed specially for students on the road to recovery.
 
• Academic services. These colleges/universities offer courses that help the students make the transition from college to a career.
 
• Recovery and continuing care carried out by competent staff. This includes post-treatment support that involves licensed in-house counselor that works full-time or part time along with counseling contacts. There are outside agencies consulting with the staff during a student’s relapse or if the latter has issues or difficulties in maintaining sobriety.
 
• Recovery program. This is designed by the student and the college or university. As a requirement for continuous use of the school’s recovery program, the student is obliged to be in a recovery program. In case of relapse, the students have to face the consequences laid out by the school for the violators of its terms and conditions.
 
• Policies and protocols for crisis management. Therapeutic management and crisis intervention are planned and prepared to ensure that the students will have the adequate support in case of crisis. Needs arising form medical and psychological conditions are also addressed. However, the schools do not act as treatment centers. They only aid in the recovery process of the students while they ensure that they receive quality education.
 
• Dedicated alcohol/drug-free residence. The students are encouraged to join the student community and live a normal student life while heading towards the road to their sobriety. 
 

Number of students colleges or university accept in its program

Except for Case Western Reserve University's Prevention and Recovery Services (PRS) that only accommodates six students in its recovery houses, other universities/colleges do not strictly enforce limits into their recovery programs as long as the student applicant meets the school’s requirements.

Schools that offer recovery services (updated January 2012):

List Sober University Housing in the U.S. and their contact information


               College/University                            Contact information

*For more inquires regarding the schools’ admission procedures, feel free to contact them in the emails provided.


Cost of sober dorm versus ordinary college dorm

The price of a college dorm ranges from $7,368 to $9,978 for shared rooms, excluding the meal plans. Singles and suites cost more due to obvious perks.

Depending on the college program, there is no additional cost for students who would like to avail of the campus recovery program. An example is Augsburg College. It does not require students to pay additional fees in order to participate in its StepUP (Recovery) program. However, Case Western Reserve University, Prevention and Recovery Services (PRS) have different room rates for single and double rooms. These types of rooms will be provided for students depending on the available space and the students’ treatment plan. Room rates of different schools shall be available upon emailing the aforementioned contact details.