Supporting Students in Recovery During National Collegiate Recovery Week

OSUS highlights the role of recovery-friendly campuses in helping students succeed

Columbia, SC – April 10, 2026 – National Collegiate Recovery Week, observed April 13-17, highlights the importance of supporting college students in recovery and raising awareness about the resources available to help them succeed. The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) encourages colleges, universities and communities to create environments where students in recovery feel supported both academically and socially.

For many students, college brings new independence, academic pressure and social expectations. These changes can increase exposure to alcohol and other substances, making it more difficult for students in recovery to navigate campus life without the right support. Without intentional resources and community, students may face additional barriers to staying engaged in both their education and their recovery.

“College can be a time of growth and opportunity, but it can also come with challenges that impact a student’s well-being,” said Dan Loffredo, Recovery Services Coordinator for OSUS. “When campuses support students in recovery, they create an environment where students can focus on their education while maintaining their health and stability.”

Collegiate recovery programs, like Gamecock Recovery at the University of South Carolina and B.C. R.O.A.R. at Benedict College, are designed to meet those needs by offering peer support, recovery-friendly spaces and access to services that help students stay on track. These programs also help reduce stigma by increasing visibility and creating a campus culture where recovery is understood and supported.

Students who participate in recovery programs are often better equipped to stay enrolled, complete their degrees and build strong support networks that extend beyond college. Access to peers who share similar experiences can play a key role in helping students feel connected and confident in their recovery.

“Students in recovery can and do succeed,” said Loffredo. “Having access to supportive peers and recovery resources can make a meaningful difference in a student’s ability to stay engaged, graduate and build a strong future.”

For more information about recovery resources – including a list of collegiate recovery programs throughout South Carolina – visit embracerecoverysc.com.