ɫҹ students who are interested in achieving sobriety, recovery, or looking for support for themselves or a loved one can find a community within substance use services created by the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) provides support for students in recovery from substance use, such as alcohol, marijuana, vapes, and Adderall. It offers a meeting place for students to gather and find support amongst each other.
“[We have] an opportunity for students to work with each other in their journeys,” said Philip Cranmer, substance use specialist at CAPS. “We see through research that connection is one of the strongest factors in promoting recovery. Peer-to-peer support builds that connection and thereby helps the students.”
Cranmer oversees the CRC and the Empowering Students in Recovery (ESIR) group, which meets every Friday from 3-4:30 p.m. at Van Campen Hall and is open to new members. He works with students to help them navigate recovery and find the necessary tools to manage substance use issues.
“We want to see people coming out, enjoying themselves, and participating in the group,” he said.
“Empowering Students in Recovery is the entry point to the Collegiate Recovery Community,” said John Schell, Ph.D., associate director of CAPS. “If [students] are interested in joining, [they] should reach out to Phil, then see where they want to go with it in terms of the opportunities that are available.”
Schell helps oversee the CRC and the substance use services. He mentioned the CRC offers substance use assessments and treatment, support to students with legal repercussions from substance use, sober activities, and a variety of events.
“From Recovery Yoga and Self-Defense and community meals to an artistic opportunity with the Wick Poetry Center, the events are nice ways for members to connect and feel a sense of community and belonging within the larger university structure,” Schell said.
is the best resource for students to receive news and updates about CRC and ESIR events.
“Sometimes students may not entirely feel ready to change their alcohol or drug use patterns, but [they] start to think through the repercussions and maybe about starting some changes,” Schell said. “We can help students navigate those early stages. If they’re asking those questions and looking for where they can start, reaching out to Phil is a great place to start.”
CRC is a safe space for students seeking to talk with one another and receive help and support from each other. Schell mentioned it offers a chance for them to connect with individuals who would be a good support within the community.
The CRC is open to students on the Kent campus and regional campuses. In the past, faculty and staff who were also in recovery participated in the CRC and sometimes served in roles of additional support and mentorship to students.
“Give it a try, meet people, and just see for yourself how the CRC can be helpful for you,” Cranmer said. “The best aspect of the CRC is our members. The people who come, do the work, engage with each other, and help each other grow.”
Students may contact Cranmer at pcranmer@kent.edu.