The University of Iowa Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) provides an environment that supports the therapeutic and educational needs of Iowa students who are considering recovery, in recovery, or wanting to support those in any stage of recovery from addiction.

  • The CRP facilitates support through community building, social support, academic support, substance-free activities, advocacy, outreach, and access to resources and services available on campus.
  • The CRP is inclusive of all Iowa students seeking to recover from addictive behaviors and values the personal dignity of each member.

The CRP is sponsored by a partnership between Student Wellness, University Counseling Service (UCS), and Office of the Vice President for Student Life.

Our mission

The mission of the University of Iowa Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is to provide a supportive network of services and educational opportunities for students at any level of recovery from substance use and addiction (e.g., in recovery, thinking about recovery, or supportive of recovery) so students can achieve academic and personal success, free from addiction.

The CRP is not an addiction treatment program.

The CRP aspires to become a Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) offering recovery-based living and social space, events, and a like-minded community of peers. Students are supported by qualified, trained, and ethical professional staff.

Review our informational flyer about what the CRP provides and how the University supports our mission. Watch our interview on Iowa’s New Now about what we do to support students wanting to change their substance use.

Contact us

EmailUI-CRP@uiowa.edu

Facebook: @UICRP

Instagram: @uiowacrp

Staff:

Support group meetings 

Success, Not Excess

Westlawn, UCS Stone Room #4239 | Tuesdays at 4:00PM
IMU, Collegiate Recovery Room #208 | Thursdays at 5:30PM

Meetings occur during the academic year only

What is Success, Not Excess?

This group provides a safe and supportive space for UI students wanting to make or considering changes in their alcohol or other drug use. The group emphasizes success in academics, relationships, mental and physical health, and other goals through abstaining or reducing alcohol and other drug use.

Not ready for a support group? Students may schedule a brief meeting with a CRP coordinator by emailing UI-CRP@uiowa.edu.

Connection & Resilience Workshop

The Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is offering a 6-week workshop based on Brené Brown's Connections Curriculum. The goal of this workshop is to assist students in examining the roles of shame, resilience and empathy and the impacts on how they view themselves and their relationships. This interactive workshop will include group discussions, opportunities to practice coping strategies and selected readings from Brené Brown.

Brené Brown's Connections Curriculum, is a multifaceted approach, developed to address issues relating to shame, and to facilitate the development of shame resilience. The curriculum is ideal for students working with issues such as self-esteem, love and belonging, authenticity, the development of empathy, connection, and power, and the ability to cultivate a resilient spirit.

Workshop Information

  • Fridays, February 16th - March 29th (except Spring Break)
  • UCC 2390, Executive Boardroom
  • 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  • Click here to register
  • Facilitated by: Heidi Schmitt, LISW and Zachary Mickelson, UCS practicum trainee

Levels of Care in Eating Disorder and Substance Use Treatments Training

  • Date and time: Thursday, March 7th, 2024; 9:00 am -12:15 pm
  • CE credits: 3 hours
  • Location: University Capitol Centre, Iowa City, Iowa; Conference Center Room 2520D - Seminar Room
  • Presenters: Karen Grajczyk-Haddad, CADC; Holly Davis, Ph.D. and Heidi Schmitt, LISW; The presenters report no conflicts of interest related to their presentation
  • Target audience: Mental health professionals and trainees in a variety of applied clinical settings.
  • Instructional level: Clinicians in training to licensed mental health professionals.
  • Cost:  Free!
  • To Register: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b3DSUr4kxnEXjoO

Training goals: The goal of this training is to provide an overview of criteria for clinical diagnosis, assessment, and referral to appropriate levels of care for eating disorders, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. Focus will be placed on developing an understanding of levels of care considerations during the assessment process, appropriate case management and therapeutic strategies that may be used during the referral process.

Training objectives:

  • Be able to distinguish different levels of care within mental health treatment and create/explain referrals when a higher level of care (other than UCS and/or outpatient) may be appropriate for treatment for individuals meeting criteria for eating disorders, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.
  • Identify how to utilize case management and therapeutic strategies to assist individuals linking to higher levels of care when recommended.
  • Explore and discuss nuances in treatment levels not being “one size fits all” and how to assess variables such as client readiness, access to resources, culturally informed expectations about treatment options, etc.

*The University of Iowa University Counseling Service is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The University of Iowa University Counseling Service maintains responsibility for this program and its content. If you have concerns or would like to provide additional feedback, please contact Patrick Galligan, Ph.D., Director of Training, at (319) 335-7294 or via email at patrick-galligan@uiowa.edu.

This event is sponsored by the University of Iowa Collegiate Recovery Program and the University of Iowa University Counseling Service. This event is open to Community Members, UI Faculty and UI Staff. Please reach out to heidi-r-reynolds@uiowa.edu with any questions about registration or to cancel your registration.

Strength in Numbers: Recovery Ally Training 

What is the Recovery Ally Training?

The CRP is committed to reducing the stigma associated with recovery and substance use disorders. Many universities across the nation hold Recovery Ally trainings to address this need and train thousands of students, faculty and staff on this very important topic. The goals of this training include:

  • Provide an overview of addiction and recovery
  • Discuss the use of people first language
  • Discuss empathy and cultivate skills to support students wanting to make changes to their substance use
  • Share about campus and community resources

This training lasts 1.5 hours and participants are provided with resources after the training to continue their allyship. Check out SAFE Project’s recovery ally pledge here.

To request a future date of this training for your campus organization, university department or class please email: ui-crp@uiowa.edu.

Student Recovery Ally Training
  • Wednesday, April 10th @ 5:30 – 7 pm; IMU 343 – Herkey Room; Click here to register. Refreshments are provided.
Faculty/Staff Recovery Ally Build Training
  • Thursday, March 21st @ 9 am; UNIVERSITY CAPITOL CENTRE Room 2766
  • To register go to: Employee Self Service | My Career | Learning & Development | My Training. Enroll in course title: BUILD: RECOVERY ALLY TRAINING

Resources

University Counseling Service (UCS)

Concerns about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) bring students to UCS for many reasons. Students may seek services from UCS because of concerns with their own use of AOD or with concerns about someone else in their lives. They may already have had trouble related to drinking/using drugs, have concerns that they might be heading in that direction, or have already made changes to their usage and would like further support to maintain these changes. 

Students can meet with a UCS counselor for a consultation to discuss the role that AOD play in their lives. Afterward, the counselor will discuss options the student may wish to pursue. The options may include, but are not limited to:

  • Group therapy
  • Brief individual therapy
  • Success, Not Excess support group
  • Case management and referrals to community referrals

Students requiring assistance beyond the scope of our AOD services at UCS may be referred to other University or community agencies.  

At UCS we acknowledge that students may have a range of goals related to their substance use, from abstinence to harm reduction. Students are encouraged to collaborate with their counselor to discuss what goals and changes they would like to make in their lives and to determine what interventions and services would most help them to achieve their goals. Substance use concerns often co-exist with other mental health concerns, and at UCS we believe in providing comprehensive care that focuses on both. We also know that making changes and improvement in one area, may not be possible without making changes in other areas.  UCS believes in collaborating with other treatment providers and medical professionals to develop treatment plans that are most appropriate for each individual student.

For more information on scheduling an appointment with UCS, call (319) 335-7294 or go to their website here.


Student Wellness 

  • Online Resources: How can you tell when you’ve had too much?  Student Wellness provides a variety of online services including online screening tools
  • Consultations: Student Wellness provides consultations on alcohol and other drug use. Confidential consultations are available with our substance abuse counselor or health educators for any questions or issues you may be experiencing. Costs: Self-referrals, are free. To make an appointment with our Substance Use Counselor (at the Westlawn location), call 319-335-8394 and ask for a self-referral appointment.

Smart Recovery

SMART Recovery is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group. Participants learn tools for addiction recovery based on the latest scientific research and participate in a world-wide community which includes free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups.

The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® helps people recover from all types of addiction and addictive behaviors, including: drug abuse, drug addiction, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, prescription drug abuse, sexual addiction, and problem addiction to other substances and activities. SMART Recovery sponsors face-to-face meetings around the world, and daily online meetings. In addition, its online message board and 24/7 chat room are forums to learn about SMART Recovery and obtain addiction recovery support.


Higher Education Center for Alcohol & Drug Misuse Prevention & Recovery

It is the mission of the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery to promote student success nationally by providing data-driven solutions to alcohol and drug misuse; lead the dialogue on collegiate alcohol and drug misuse and recovery in the national agenda; and ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the center’s efforts.


Iowa City Alcoholics AnonymousCocaine Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous

Anonymous groups are a traditional form of support for individuals struggling with substance abuse. There are meetings worldwide and millions of people identify with belonging to a home group or benefiting from the 12 Steps of Recovery. Anonymous groups are traditionally a spot for individuals to find hope and courage they are not alone in dealing with addiction and is a place to build community and listen to others stories of recovery.


Community and Family Resources is dedicated to proactively assisting individuals, families, and communities achieve healthy behavior and lifestyle through advocacy, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental illness. CFR’s mission is to provide high quality, community-based, behavioral health care services. Strengths-based services are provided in a respectful and confidential manner. You will be treated with dignity and respect.

At the University of Iowa, we recognize that recovery is a journey. We realize that there is a continuum for students identifying with an addiction, receiving treatment, being in recovery, and adjusting to sober life outside of a treatment program. The UI has formed the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) to support students at all stages of recovery.

The CRP is not a treatment facility. The CRP provides support for students who are actively pursuing recovery or want to be supportive of students in recovery. Through the CRP students can connect to other resources offered by the UI that are supportive to recovery and their academic journey.

Association of Recovery in Higher Education

It can be difficult to spot a student struggling with substance use. Faculty and staff are invited to look at this resource to help identify signs that can help initiate a conversation with a student they are concerned about.

How-to-Support-a-Student.pdf

T-Break: Take a Cannabis Break
The University of Vermont has created a guide to help students take a tolerance break from their cannabis use.

Upcoming events

Success, Not Excess promotional image

Success, Not Excess

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Westlawn
Supporting Students Desiring a Change Success, Not Excess provides a small, safe and supportive space for UI students wanting to make or considering changes in their alcohol or other drug use. The group emphasizes success in academics, relationships, mental and physical health, and other goals through reducing alcohol and other drug use. Meetings are provided by the UI Collegiate Recovery Program. For more information, please visit our website. This is not a treatment group and will not...
Success, Not Excess promotional image

Success, Not Excess

Thursday, March 21, 2024 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Supporting Students Desiring a Change Success, Not Excess provides a small, safe and supportive space for UI students wanting to make or considering changes in their alcohol or other drug use. The group emphasizes success in academics, relationships, mental and physical health, and other goals through reducing alcohol and other drug use. Meetings are provided by the UI Collegiate Recovery Program. For more information, please visit our website. This is not a treatment group and will not...
Connection & Resilience Workshop promotional image

Connection & Resilience Workshop

Friday, March 22, 2024 12:00pm to 1:30pm
University Capitol Centre
The UI Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is offering a four-week workshop based on Brené Brown's Connections Curriculum. The goal of this workshop is to examine the roles of shame, resilience and empathy and the impacts on how they view themselves and their relationships. This interactive workshop will include group discussions, opportunities to practice coping strategies and selected readings from Brené Brown. Brené Brown's Connections Curriculum, is a multifaceted approach, developed to...
Success, Not Excess promotional image

Success, Not Excess

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Westlawn
Supporting Students Desiring a Change Success, Not Excess provides a small, safe and supportive space for UI students wanting to make or considering changes in their alcohol or other drug use. The group emphasizes success in academics, relationships, mental and physical health, and other goals through reducing alcohol and other drug use. Meetings are provided by the UI Collegiate Recovery Program. For more information, please visit our website. This is not a treatment group and will not...
Success, Not Excess promotional image

Success, Not Excess

Thursday, March 28, 2024 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Supporting Students Desiring a Change Success, Not Excess provides a small, safe and supportive space for UI students wanting to make or considering changes in their alcohol or other drug use. The group emphasizes success in academics, relationships, mental and physical health, and other goals through reducing alcohol and other drug use. Meetings are provided by the UI Collegiate Recovery Program. For more information, please visit our website. This is not a treatment group and will not...
Connection & Resilience Workshop promotional image

Connection & Resilience Workshop

Friday, March 29, 2024 12:00pm to 1:30pm
University Capitol Centre
The UI Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is offering a four-week workshop based on Brené Brown's Connections Curriculum. The goal of this workshop is to examine the roles of shame, resilience and empathy and the impacts on how they view themselves and their relationships. This interactive workshop will include group discussions, opportunities to practice coping strategies and selected readings from Brené Brown. Brené Brown's Connections Curriculum, is a multifaceted approach, developed to...

About our team

 

heidi schmitt

Heidi Schmitt, LISW, University Counseling Service

Heidi (she/her/hers) serves as a co-coordinator of the CRP and is also a staff therapist at the University Counseling Service.  She supports students in or seeking recovery from a substance use disorder by co-facilitating Success, Not Excess, providing direct support to students through individual recovery planning, co-facilitating Strength in Numbers: A Recovery Ally training and assisting with outreach to grow the vision of the CRP at the University of Iowa. 

Heidi grew up in Eastern Iowa and is a proud Hawkeye. Heidi received her BA in History and Interdisciplinary Studies from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. 


 

Karen Grajczyk-Haddad

Karen Grajczyk-Haddad, MPH, CADC, CHES, Student Wellness

Karen (she/her/hers) serves as a co-coordinator of the CRP and is a Senior Behavioral Health Consultant at Student Wellness. Karen supports student in recovery by coordinating the CRP student advisory board, organizing and leading marketing and communications for the CRP, co-facilitating Success, Not Excess, co-facilitating Strength in Numbers: A Recovery Ally training and strategizing the growth of the CRP.

Karen is a South-Eastern Michigan native and graduated from the University of Toledo with a BS & MPH in Public Health (MPH program formally known as the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health).