Wildcats in Recovery creates new community of support for K-State students

At Kansas State University, a new chapter in student support is beginning — one built on hope, connection and the belief that recovery is possible.

This fall, K-State is launching Wildcats in Recovery, a new initiative between Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, and the university’s new Addiction Counseling degree program. The partnership offers free, student-led SMART Recovery meetings, creating a space for anyone navigating addiction or supporting someone who is.

“Wildcats in Recovery is about creating a community where students can seek support without judgment and know they do not have to navigate recovery alone,” said Thomas Lane, vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students. “By reducing stigma and creating meaningful connections with peers, we continue to nurture a culture of well-being at K-State where asking for help is a sign of strength, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

Stephanie Jacobs, CAPS associate director, is pleased to have the opportunity to provide additional support to K-State students.

“We know there are students who are coping with addictions themselves or have family members and friends who are in recovery. Wildcats in Recovery offers a welcoming space to connect with peers, gain support and learn new ways to manage concerns.”

A practical, peer-based approach

SMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, takes a practical, evidence-based approach to recovery. Through Wildcats in Recovery, students can connect with peers who understand the challenges of addiction while learning tools to build healthier, more balanced lives.

The program also gives future addiction counselors an opportunity to learn by doing.

Students enrolled in K-State’s new addiction counseling degree program can serve as addiction peer support specialists, facilitating SMART Recovery meetings while gaining valuable real-world experience. Before leading meetings, students complete SMART orientation and specialized training. By volunteering in this role, they can also earn three or six credit hours through an independent study course.

For Cheryl Calhoun, coordinator of the addiction counseling program, the initiative is an exciting milestone.

“I’m really excited about K-State making student-led recovery support meetings a reality immediately following the launch of the university’s addiction counseling degree program,” Calhoun said. “Addictions come in many shapes and sizes…and the same is true about recovery. Students need a safe space where they can share about the type of addiction they struggle with and gain insights into what they want their individual recovery to look like.”

Building a community for recovery

Jacobs and Calhoun believe Wildcats in Recovery will do more than support sobriety. By reducing isolation, lowering relapse risk and encouraging a holistic approach to wellness, the program is designed to help students succeed both academically and personally. The meetings will also support students whose lives have been affected by the addiction of a family member or friend.

For student volunteer Jammie Paulson, the program addresses a need many students quietly carry.

“As a student, I’ve seen how overwhelming college can feel,” Paulson said. “Balancing classes, work, family and friend responsibilities, along with everyday life, can be challenging, and those stressors can make recovery even more difficult.”

Paulson hopes Wildcats in Recovery becomes more than a meeting — it becomes a community.

“I believe Wildcats in Recovery will provide students with a supportive community where people can encourage one another, develop healthier coping skills, navigate life challenges, and support one another in recovery,” Paulson said. “Having these resources on campus reminds students that they are not alone and that recovery is possible.”

Students can join Wildcats in Recovery whenever they need support. The SMART Recovery meetings will begin on Sept. 8, with an in-person meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, in Lafene Health Center, 1105 Sunset Ave. Virtual meetings are held from 7 to 8 p.m. every Monday and Thursday. Those attending in person should use the southwest entrance of the Lafene Health Center from the Platt Street parking lot. Check the Wildcats in Recovery website for more information.

No registration is required, participation is free and every meeting is another opportunity for students to find encouragement, build resilience and discover that recovery doesn’t have to be a journey they take alone.

— Submitted by Shawn Funk