The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) at the University of Alabama is first and foremost a community of students pursuing recovery from alcohol and other drug use. Additionally, we have our dedicated safe space which students in recovery often call “their home away from home.” It affords students access to a private computer lab, study-group project room, a meditation-reflection room, community pantry, and Collegiate Recovery programming in which students can engage at their discretion. CRC members have twenty-four hour access to the recovery safe space and services during their time as a student at UA.

A Day in the Collegiate Recovery Community

Life in the CRC begins every morning as students and staff informally gather for a reading from a piece of recovery literature. A typical day may include some academic advisement, early course registration assistance, a topical seminar, group adventures, or simply supportive conversation. If its a Fall weekend in Alabama you’ll find the CRC celebrating at our recovery tailgate, located in the shadow of Denny Chimes with yellow balloons flying above the tent. You may also find CRC members out in the Tuscaloosa or campus community participating in community service work. CRC members are provided with a weekly family luncheon, monthly family dinner, and outing, as well as mutual aid group meetings  in the conference room throughout the week.  Additional support services such as family counseling, family weekend programs,  and individual counseling are available at no cost to CRC members.  Participating in regional and national recovery based conferences such as the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) are opportunities students may select. CRC members who meet GPA and recovery requirements have the opportunity to apply for scholarships at the end of each semester. The CRC provides a place of academic and personal support, safety, and inspiration to engage in recovery twenty-four hours a day, one day at a time.

Please see the Recovery Community Adventures photo gallery for a glimpse of life in our Collegiate Recovery home.

Collegiate Recovery Community Membership

Registered Alabama students are eligible for membership in the CRC if they meet the following criteria*:

  • 12 Months of Abstinence from Alcohol and other drugs
  • Application and Staff Interview
  • Active commitment to a twelve-step recovery program
  • Commitment to a recovery based lifestyle
  • Participation in community activities such as seminar, recovery night, service, academic advisement

Students who do not meet the above membership requirements are still very welcome to become provisional members of the CRC.  Students who have an active interest in pursuing recovery become members of our recovery development program called FORGE (Focusing on Recovery through Guided Exploration).  Staff works closely with students in the FORGE program to help them explore recovery and develop the relationships and skills they need to in order to continue to pursue long-term recovery.  If you are interested in exploring recovery we are interested in you!

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