Class of 2026: You Did the Work (In More Ways Than One) 🎓
To the graduates of 2026: Take a deep breath. Look at that diploma. Now, take a second to look at the journey that got you here - because for a student in recovery, that walk across the stage is a few steps longer than most.
While your peers were balancing midterms and mixers, you were balancing syllabuses and sponsorship, coursework and commitments in recovery, finals and fellowship meetings, student life and service work. Many of you succeeded at this balance, despite long hours at work, and supporting your families. You navigated high-pressure environments while prioritizing your health, your peace, and your sobriety.
Why This Hits Different:
- Resilience Redefined: You proved that recovery doesn't just make life possible; it makes life extraordinary.
- The Power of Community: Whether you found your home in a Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) or forged your own path, you didn't do this alone - and we are so proud to be part of your village.
- A New Statistic: You are the living proof that recovery and academic excellence aren't just compatible - they are a powerhouse combination.
"Recovery gave me my life back, but education gave me a life I actually wanted to live." — Every student who refused to give up.
To our ARHE members, student leaders, and the quiet warriors who did the work behind the scenes: The world is getting a better version of you today.
We see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to see what you do next. Be sure to tag us in your social media posts, so that we can continue to celebrate your successes! Congratulations, Class of 2026!
ARHE Monthly Membership Meetings will take place each month on the third Monday, at 12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT! Register today! These meetings will be a space for:
- Updates from ARHE — brief updates on current initiatives.
- Member feedback — your chance to share your voice and help shape ARHE’s work.
- Peer connection across regions — ask questions, share resources, and strengthen your network.
Substance use and mental health challenges impact individuals across the lifespan, yet emerging adults (18–25) and older adults (50+) experience unique risks, barriers, and opportunities for support. This session explores key similarities and differences between these age groups, with a focus on stigma, communication styles, and the growing influence of technology and digital media on substance use, mental health perceptions, and help-seeking behaviors. Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging both generations in meaningful conversations, breaking down stigma, and tailoring prevention and intervention approaches that resonate across age groups.
- Conference Dates: September 23-24, 2026
- Conference Location: Virtual conference
- New Submission deadline: May 25, 2026
- Conference website: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/coarsconference/
- Submit a proposal: https://redcap.link/2026NCARS
The Colorado Rockies will be playing the Miami Marlins on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 6:40 PM, and you have the chance to purchase discounted tickets to the game! Sit in the sober section (111) alongside other conference attendees and enjoy this fun experience, sponsored and supported by Sober A.F. Entertainment!
Buy your tickets today!
Applications are Open for the SAFE Campuses Summer Series! Apply Here! The SAFE Campuses Summer Series is an 8-week virtual program designed for university staff who want to strengthen substance use prevention, recovery support, and harm reduction on their campuses.
- About 3 hours per week of combined live and self-paced learning
- Weekly live sessions on Tuesdays from June 2 – July 28, 3:00–4:30 PM ET (no session on June 30)
- Flexible, cohort-driven content delivered through a learning platform
- Real conversations with people doing this work across the country
- A concrete action plan to expand recovery support, harm reduction services, or stigma reduction on your campus
- Stronger connections with peers and leaders in collegiate recovery
- Practical tools, resources, and emerging strategies you can actually use
Seeking Participants: Study on Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder
We are recruiting participants for a confidential research study on recovery from alcohol use disorder. This study involves brief surveys and a one-time interview exploring factors that support or challenge recovery.
We are especially seeking individuals who began their recovery between ages 13–18 (adolescence). Participants must be currently 18 or older and have had a problem with alcohol use in the past.
The interview focuses on personal experiences of recovery over time, including barriers, supports, and key turning points.
Interested individuals can sign up here: https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/earecovery
or contact the study team at: mghrecoveryresearch@mgb.org
- Stronger student engagement
- Deeper identity development beyond labels and past behavior
- More consistent participation and connection within programs
- A practical framework that can be used across roles, not just clinical settings
The Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery (CYAAR) at Kennesaw State University, Georgia (USA) started the Collegiate Recovery Research Collaborative (CRRC) in 2017. The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) is excited to now host the CRRC to allow researchers to connect, collaborate, and progress important research topics within the profession of collegiate recovery.
Currently, the CRRC meets once a month on the first Thursday of the month at 12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT. Project-specific meetings may take place outside of this time.
Funding for this initiative was made possible by grant no. 1H79TI088079 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
