Razorback Recovery Community Expands Support Groups for Students

Creating a safe space for students in recovery is a priority for Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator Isabel Taylor. Recognizing a need for support groups aimed specifically at women and individuals navigating screen addiction, Taylor launched an expansion of services within the Razorback Recovery Community through the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery program.

The new support groups — Women in Recovery and Being Present in a Digital Age — are now available on campus. Similar to the long-standing Open Recovery group, the meetings offer an inclusive environment where people are supported and heard. Through these programs, members have access to peer and professional support, harm reduction supplies, the Razorback Recovery Lounge and a printer. The weekly groups meet inside the Razorback Recovery Lounge, Room 2123, located on the second floor of Pat Walker Health Center behind the Wellness Lounge.

Through this program expansion, the Razorback Recovery Community aims to reduce barriers for those seeking recovery and community while creating a safe space for individuals to gather and share about their journeys. 

"Our Women in Recovery group is open to those who identify as a woman or can relate to the experience of being a woman, and who are sober curious, struggling with substance misuse, or looking for community support in their recovery journey," Taylor said. "During these meetings, we'll discuss recovery from a female perspective."

The group is open to trans women, cisgender women and non-binary individuals who feel safer or more understood in a women-centered space. Meetings for Women in Recovery are from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays in the Razorback Recovery Lounge (HLTH 2123).

Being Present in a Digital Age is peer-led by a Razorback Recovery student and addresses screen usage and related addictions while examining what it means to be offline. This group meets Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Razorback Recovery Lounge (HLTH 2123).

"In addition to our new groups, we'll continue to provide our Open Recovery group," Taylor said.

These peer support meetings are open to anyone in the University of Arkansas community who is struggling with substance misuse, is sober curious or is seeking community support in their recovery journey. The group meets Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Razorback Recovery Lounge (HLTH 2123).

For more information about the RRC, contact razrecov@uark.edu or visit the Razorback Recovery website.

About the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery Program: The SEAR Program provides individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis and other substance-related concerns. SEAR offers research-based prevention, early intervention and recovery support services designed to promote a learning environment that supports healthy behavior choices and raises awareness about the risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. SEAR is a Pat Walker Health Center program and is part of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/sear.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.