College students make up one of the largest groups of people who abuse alcohol and drug nationwide, but help is available. At UT Southern, we promote a nurturing campus and community environment to ensure that all students in recovery can achieve academic and personal success.
What is Recovery?
Recovery looks different for everyone. For some, abstinence from substances is the safest, healthiest choice. For others, recovery is a space to reflect on and possibly change their substance use habit, without judgement or pressure to quit completely. Our goal is to honor all pathways of recovery, acknowledging that each person’s path is unique and reflects their personal strengths, and to provide social support that focuses on the hope and healing found in community.
Is my substance use reasonable?
Every person is different, but using this anonymous 6 question survey can help students evaluate if their substance use is within a reasonable limit. Take the survey at https://utsouthern.typeform.com/substanceuse
Explore Help
The University offers anonymous educational programs through eCheckUp. If you need credit for program completion, complete the Electronic Verification of Completion at the end of the program’s feedback pages:
Off Campus Resources: AA.org, NA.org, and SAMHSA and are all excellent resources for finding meetings in our area, as well as other useful resources. Tennessee REDLINE is a toll-free number for more information and resources on getting help for addiction. REDLINE calltakers can also connect you with Celebrate Recovery and other open house meeting settings. Call 1-800-889-9789 or visit this link for more information. Students may also benefit from StartYourRecovery.org or Refuge Recovery. BIPOC-specific resources are also available here.
Individual and Group Counseling
Counseling: Free confidential counseling is available through the University. Text 844-986-6946 for an appointment.
Groups: Student substance recovery groups meet Tuesdays at 6:00 PM CST online on Zoom. Click here to join. (Zoom Meeting 922 1201 5826). No RSVP is required. Questions are welcomed at dstone18@utsouthern.edu.
Recovery Allyship
Many of us know and love someone struggling with substance misuse and/or someone in recovery. We know that addiction affects the whole family, team, and support system. Meetings for students affected by a loved one’s addiction provide education, resource navigation, and on-going support needed to address substance use disorder in a healthy and constructive way. Questions about supporting someone in recovery, or loving someone through their substance misuse, are welcomed at dstone18@utsouthern.edu.
The Division of Student Affairs is also happy to support students, faculty, and staff in their recovery allyship efforts. Please contact us to be trained as a Tennessee Recovery Ally, a Peer Recovery Specialist, or as a Recovery Coach. If you or someone you know is interested in a recovery supportive training or certification not mentioned here, please reach out!
Recent Events
Athlete Mental Health & Substance Use: We know that our student athletes manage extra challenges balancing life, stress, and expectations in and out of the classroom. In addition to training our athletic staff on supporting students, we’ve been hosting athlete-specific events around mental health and substance use to help our athletes manage priorities and stay both physically and mentally healthy.
Recovery Academy: UT Southern is proud to be a part of the University of Tennessee System’s commitment to supporting substance recovery in our students. We support Recovery Academy events at all our UT campuses and are grateful for the partnership of the TN Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services’ Collegiate Recovery Initiative. We were proud to host TDMHSAS and the UT System partners in February 2022 for our own Recovery Academy, and again in August 2023 for our Institute for Mental Health Support.
