Collegiate Recovery Program

Reach out to us for more information!

Call: 734-763-3933
Email: collegiate.recovery.program@umich.edu 

Watch this video collage of recovery stories & read some testimonials below.

“I can honestly say CRP has saved my life. Before getting involved with CRP, I did not know that I could have a sober college experience. All my previous social circles revolved around using, and I did not know how to live otherwise. CRP gave me a supportive community of students just like me, which was exactly what I needed to get sober and stay sober.” ~ M.P. 

“With the help of the staff and groups here at Michigan, such as the Collegiate Recovery Program and Students for Recovery, I have become the student I could not have been when alcohol and drugs were dominating my life.” ~ A.B. 

“Feeling like a part of a safe and fun community has been an invaluable aspect of CRP and SFR. Throughout my drinking, I had become very socially isolated, with seemingly few connections to the student body or general community. The idea of joining CRP and SFR was intimidating at first, both because I was scared of learning how to live a sober lifestyle and because I am, simply, shy. Surprisingly, it didn’t take long to feel comfortable in these groups. I discovered that much of the beauty of CRP and SFR lies in the cohesive desire among members to improve our lives and the community. When I first got sober, I thought that the focus would be placed on simply not drinking alcohol. While that is an obvious requirement of being and staying sober, so much more focus is placed on developing better coping skills, improving relationships, and giving back to the community. CRP and SFR create an environment that fosters these ideas in several ways, ranging from weekly check-in meetings with the program advisor, social activities like Halloween pumpkin carving and ice-skating at Yost Arena, and volunteering at various places in Southeastern Michigan. For me, becoming part of a group that encourages such positive values and helps each other achieve personal goals has been a cornerstone of my continuing recovery.” ~ A.J. 

“I firmly believe that without Collegiate Recovery Program and Students for Recovery groups at the University of Michigan my sobriety would have been seriously jeopardized. After coming back to school at U of M, I was faced with many old and new problems. In the forefront of these, I wondered how I could attain high grades while at the same time getting involved in a fun, supportive recovery community. I was lucky enough to be introduced to CRP and SFR among my first days back at school, and I have regularly attended and participated in their meetings since then. It has allowed me both faculty and student support, connected me with a sponsor to guide me through my recovery, and gotten me involved in fun, sober activities. A few of these activities that stand out include running a 5k in support of local drug/alcohol treatment centers, participating in a sober skating event at Yost Ice Arena, and recording music at the University’s Music School. The combination of the support and involvement of CRP and SFR have allowed me to excel in classes this past semester, get guidance on balancing recovery with the life of a student, and perhaps most importantly, to have fun in recovery.” ~ D.B. 

“CRP has been absolutely critical in my recovery from a substance use disorder. This group has given me accountability, support and a safe place to go during my many early sobriety meltdowns. Now, beginning my second year of recovery, CRP has expanded my life in ways I never saw coming. Because of this program, I have gained a career direction, awesome friends, a connection with my higher self and fun in sobriety! I am beyond grateful for the Collegiate Recovery Program at U of M.” ~ M.B. 

“CRP has fostered my college experience in more ways than I can express in this quote. Without CRP, I don’t think I’d be at the University of Michigan.” ~ J.M. 

These meetings are not affiliated with U-M. 

• AA: Huron Valley Area Intergroup
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Buddhist Recovery Network (Recovery Dharma)
• Local Recovery Dharma
• Marijuana Anonymous    Friday evening Ann Arbor MA meeting
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Food Addicts Anonymous
• Al-Anon Family Groups

Wolverine Wellness – offers free rapid HIV and STI testing, free condoms, wellness coaching, a therapy dog program, and more. 

University Health Service – provides comprehensive clinical services. Most services are free for currently enrolled U-M students.

Spectrum Center – U-M’s LGBTQ+ resource center.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – free, confidential services for students, including individual counseling, groups, workshops, crisis consultation, and more.

Services for Students with Disabilities – students in recovery may be eligible for accommodations. Talk to staff about your situation.

University Housing – offers substance-free housing options.

• Off-campus, Dawn Farm offers transitional housing, with structured living.

U-M Addiction Treatment Services – outpatient assessment and treatment services.

Dawn Farm – assists addicts and alcoholics in achieving long-term recovery. Also offers an Education Series.

Home of New Vision – local treatment services and recovery support.

Brighton Center for Recovery – one of the oldest and most reputable addiction treatment facilities in the country.

Trinity Health – outpatient alcohol and drug dependency services.

CRP needs and appreciates your financial support. You can donate online or email us at collegiate.recovery.program@umich.edu with your ideas.

The endowed Jake Goldberg Scholarship was established in 2019 to help U-M students who are members of the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) prioritize recovery while pursuing their educational goals. The Jake Goldberg Recovery Lounge, also established in 2019, provides a physical space where students who are part of CRP can build their community. The Scholarship and Lounge are tributes to the recovery journey and memory of Jake Goldberg, U-M class of 2016, and the many people recovering from substance use disorders.

Jake’s Story

We lost Jake on January 7, 2018, at the age of 25 to the disease of addiction.  Jake was a bright, funny, caring person with a passion for sports.  Jake’s battle with addiction began in high school and he successfully completed a substance treatment program in his senior year. He returned from treatment committed to his recovery but found it challenging to connect with his friends and peers because drugs and alcohol were so much a part of the culture and social life.   Fortunately, U-M and CRP offered Jake the opportunity to find education-minded friends who were striving to stay clean and sober.  As one of the early CRP students, Jake participated in sober social events, volunteered for outreach initiatives, and became an advocate for the program.  His involvement in CRP played a significant role in Jake’s ability to thrive as a student and leader on campus and fulfill his goal of establishing a career at the Detroit Pistons.   Despite attaining his dream of working in sports, Jake faced difficult days after leaving U-M.  He was unable to connect with other young professionals to support his sober lifestyle and while Jake loved to help other people, he was challenged in asking for help when he needed it. We believe his sense of isolation and loneliness allowed the disease to get the better of him and tragically brought an end to his short life.   The heartache of losing Jake will never end, but it is our hope that through the Jake Goldberg Scholarship’s support of deserving CRP students, we honor Jake’s legacy of making a difference in the lives of others in recovery.  

- Amy Lazarus & Gene Goldberg

CRP helps students in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction to succeed at U-M. Here are articles that mention us:

• The Chronicle of Higher Education 4/11/2023 The Rise of the Sober College Student
• The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) 1/28/20: CRP Spotlight: University of Michigan
• Michigan News 10/1/18: Collegiate Recovery Program Receives Donation to Support Students
• Michigan Daily 3/27/18: Students, addiction specialists call for culture shift on alcohol, drug addiction
• Michigan Daily 9/20/17: Behind the Lie: "It's not alcoholism until you graduate"
• MLive 4/28/16: U-M student experiences success, sobriety through Collegiate Recovery Program by Martin Slagter
• MLive 4/28/16: Worthy conquers addiction on way to earning master's at U-M by Martin Slagter
• Michigan Daily 9/22/15: Viewpoint: Recovery is a reality by Carley Keyes
• New York Times 2/27/15:  Not the Usual College Party (This One's Sober)
• Michigan Daily 2/16/12:  At Event, Students Talk about Troubles with Substance Addiction
• New York Times 1/22/12: A Bridge to Recovery on Campus
• Chicago Tribune 10/26/11: Colleges Reach Out to Recovering Addicts
• Michigan Daily 9/14/11: Second Chances: The University's New Collegiate Recovery Program Helps Students with Addictions Find Sobriety
• Chronicle of Higher Education 8/21/11: As Campus Addiction-Recovery Programs Grow, So Do Calls for Data on Effectiveness
• Wall Street Journal 8/10/11: Campus Life 101: Staying Sober