Collegiate Recovery Program

SHU’s Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) helps students maintain an abstinence-based lifestyle while they thrive socially and academically.

SHU provides a comprehensive approach to recovery. The CRP includes campus 12-step meetings, counselors and recovery coaches, as well as Recovery House, a safe, substance-free environment with an in-house manager, weekly meetings, fellowship and community-building activities.

“It’s about helping to support those who have chosen a recovery lifestyle,” said CRP Coordinator Brian Dolan ‘13, who dealt with his own drug, alcohol and gambling addiction as a student. “We provide accountability, first and foremost. But also my job is connecting students with other people in the recovery community, trying to normalize recovery across campus.”

Sacred Heart has been fundamental for my growth in recovery, as well as academically. SHU has given me the opportunity to challenge myself, while having support from the community and network the whole way. I’m grateful for my experience so far and excited to see where my journey at SHU will take me!

- Laura S.

Our Mission

To create a safe and supportive educational environment where students in recovery from substance use disorders can be the best version of themselves and live to their best academic potential. To give every student the best possible chance at achieving success through physical, mental and spiritual growth.

Support Services Explore what our Counseling Center offers

Events & Meetings Meetings offered include SHU Fellowship (Tuesdays at 7 p.m.), Young & The Restless (Saturdays at 7 p.m.) and Recovery on Park (Sundays at 10:30 a.m.).

Wellness Programs Learn about our partnership with Move to Heal

Community

The CRP is open to students with a desire to stop using drugs or alcohol. SHU’s CRP offers a comprehensive approach to recovery that places emphasis on community, reminding members that “recovery is a team sport,” Dolan says.

Sacred Heart supports wellness and recovery at all levels – from the administration to the caring experts at the counseling center to Bill Mitchell, a prominent local businessowner and longtime member of SHU’s Board of Trustees who began his own recovery journey in 1990. Mitchell, a benefactor of SHU’s program, echoes many when he speaks of the hope he regained through recovery.

“I got the respect and love of my family back,” he has said. “I got myself back, and I became the person I always wanted to be.”

Having fun is a vital part of the recovery process. SHU’s program includes ski weekends, trips to New York City, sporting events and much more. The program also encourages students to give back to the greater community on and off campus, including a Habitat for Humanity trip in spring 2025.

Since my very first visit to now, I’ve always felt at home and understood at Sacred Heart University. College life can be a bit difficult when you’re sober, but I’ve received nothing but support and empathy from those around me as I navigate being not only a student, but also a person in recovery. I’m grateful for all the amazing resources, like counselors, groups, meetings and others in recovery, that I’ve found in the Sacred Heart community!

- Max S.

Recovery House

Sacred Heart University offers housing for students in the Collegiate Recovery Program. Opened in January 2023, the Recovery House offers the opportunity for students to have designated housing that will give them the best chance at maintaining sobriety and receiving a great education. This environment, which will be open for both men and women students in fall 2024, provides a space for fellowship and hope along the road to sobriety.

Features

Four bedrooms, one dedicated to the Recovery Housing Manager
Spacious living room with television and couches
Fully operational kitchen
Washer and dryer located on the first floor
Two dining areas for quick meals or fellowship dinners
Back yard for socializing and activities

Services

A full-time, live-in house manager dedicated to monitoring each student
Recovery coach dedicated to each student
Weekly drug and daily breathalyzer tests
Weekly house meeting with a clinical therapist
Weekend activities that will foster fellowship among the students

Additional Requirements

Must attend at least three recovery-based meetings
Must agree to all University and Collegiate Recovery Program agreements
Must comply with all drug and breathalyzer tests at any time chosen by the housing manager

Meetings & Events

All Recovery Meetings Tuesday's at 7 p.m. at the Recovery House. Open to everyone who supports recovery.
Weekly house meeting
Collegiate Recovery Basketball Friday nights