Oakland University

About the Program

Grizz Recovery, Oakland University’s Collegiate Recovery Program, was revitalized in 2024 and we are so honored to be a member of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education. We are located within the Oakland University Counseling Center, and are generously supported by the partnership of the Jamie Daniels Foundation and the Children’s Foundation. 

A thriving community is the most important part of our CRP, sharing a common goal of recovery and wellness. Each member has a part in nurturing a culture that actively practices recovery values such as honesty and integrity. In this space, we embrace inclusivity and respect for all, ensuring that everyone feels safe and valued. 

Following a commitment to our culture, the only other requirement to join is to actively be working on having a substance free college experience due to addiction. We also have members who have identified addictions to sex, gambling and vaping. There is always a pathway to membership for those who are not yet in stable recovery and opportunities for engagement for students who are new to recovery. Everyone is welcome to check us out! 

We currently employ a part time coordinator, and also support a Grizz Recovery Student Intern, connected through the Psychology Department. 

We hold an office and student lounge on the first floor of Vandenberg Hall, a residence hall that provides access to all students. We are quickly approaching our goal of being considered a mid-sized program. We offer casual recovery meetings 2 times per week and our students have also begun their own young person’s AA meeting on campus which is open to the public. Students are invited to participate in 1:1 case management by our coordinator, who is helpful with individualized distress tolerance education, relapse prevention and referrals. Our counseling center offers additional group education as well. Students frequently join together for social activities both on and off campus and have formed a student organization, open to all students who support recovery or want a substance free college experience for reasons other than addiction. We schedule fun activities during our meeting times, and plan bigger monthly events (movies and mocktails, holiday parties) to include the entire student body. 

We often collaborate with our academic leaders and students to assist in decreasing any stigma across campus. We currently are working with the departments of advertising, athletics, housing, health and wellness, counseling and the health center to ensure all students who may be struggling with substance use and other addictions know how to find us. Our future goals include increasing staff hours, providing sober housing for students, roommate matching, increasing our lounge space, as well as deepening our connections with our campus and the community at large.