Illustration by Jada Hauser
Collegiate Recovery Program offers safe haven for students
Kristy Kazzi
Staff Writer
The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is an organization at WCC that supports addiction, mental health, self-care, and more. CRP offers a supportive and safe space for students, according to program coordinator Teresa Herzog.
CRP is where students find a haven for addressing addiction, mental health challenges, and prioritizing self-care.
According to Herzog, CRP stands as a pillar of support amidst the overwhelming pressures of academia: “Community is the best antidote to everything that creates suffering,” she said.
In this environment, positive social dynamics thrive. Herzog said she observes the camaraderie within the club, seeing students rally around one another and equipping them with tools plus knowledge to navigate mental health concerns.
“I see really positive social pressure in our community support meetings and in our business meetings,” said Herzog.
18-year-old Suha Waqar, one of the CRP officers, reflects on her journey from peer educator to peer officer—serving as the initial point of contact for those seeking information about the club.
Business meetings serve as forums for event planning and brainstorming initiatives to enhance the school environment, while community support meetings foster an open exchange of support tailored to individual needs.
“Everything that happens in our club, stays in our club,” said Waqar.
27-year-old Andrica Underwood, another student officer, emphasizes the importance of CRP’s core principles—-highlighting the need for students to utilize available resources, fostering inclusivity within the club, and encouraging openness to listen to others’ stories.
“We have all types of students,” said Underwood.
She also underscored the significance of mutual support among students within CRP, where grounding exercises and self-compassion play vital roles in addressing the diverse range of challenges students face, including substance recovery, codependency, and more.
Central to CRP’s mission is destigmatizing addiction. By nurturing a supportive community, CRP aims to alleviate the stressors of college life, acknowledging the unique relationship students have with recovery as they navigate coping mechanisms in a high-pressure environment.
“Reducing the stigma around addiction is one of the biggest things we can do as a community to support,” said Underwood.
Resources for those struggling with substance abuse issues:
Samsha: answer questions for treatment, and help in the moment.
Free, confidential information about symptoms, treatment and recovery for individuals and families
www.samhsa.gov
Washtenaw County 24/7 mental health or substance abuse support hotline
734-544-3050
