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Collegiate Recovery Program

Our Bulldog Recovery Program focuses on substance prevention and intervention for Drake University Students. Whether you are familiar or unfamiliar of substance abuse and addiction, it’s important to know it can take on many forms through a variety of substances—alcohol, codeine, heroin, cocaine, opium, tobacco, and more.

To best address concerns of substance use that can often impact college students, the Broadlawns Drake Student Counseling Center provides substance use counseling and support groups for all Drake students. 

Help is Possible

If you or someone you know needs support to break away from substance abuse, consider setting up an appointment at our counseling center. Recovery from substance abuse is achievable and can be maintained with the right tools and fellowship with others navigating the same struggles. We understand that each person’s journey toward recovery is unique, which is why we take into account each individual’s needs and life circumstances with our customized substance abuse treatment services.

Scheduling

We also highly recommend that you join the Bulldog Recovery group, which meets Biweekly on Tuesdays, from 5-6 pm in Meredith 102, beginning on October 8th. To Begin group, you can contact our Bulldog Recover Facilitator, Heather, at heather.watson@drake.edu

To schedule an individual counseling appointment with us, please contact us at 515-216-5100. To learn more about our counselors, look here.

Bulldog Recovery Support Group

Our group utilizes the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in its application to substance abuse treatment, and we will cover a variety of important topics, including:

  • Understanding the Disease Model of Addiction: We will discuss the disease model of addiction, which views addiction as a chronic condition that affects the brain’s structure and function. This understanding is essential for supporting those struggling with substance use and can empower loved ones to approach the situation with compassion and informed strategies.
  • Supporting a Loved One: Guidance on how to provide support to friends or family members dealing with addiction, including effective communication techniques, setting healthy boundaries, and recognizing the importance of self-care for supporters.
  • Harm Reduction Strategies: Exploration of harm reduction techniques aimed at minimizing negative consequences associated with substance use. This includes strategies for reducing consumption patterns and fostering healthier behaviors without requiring complete abstinence.
  • Therapeutic Interventions by Stage: Tailored strategies to assist individuals in progressing through the recovery process, incorporating techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and relapse prevention strategies.
  • Addressing Ambivalence: Methods for managing ambivalence towards change, especially in the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages, with a focus on enhancing motivation and resolving internal conflicts related to substance use.
  • Group Exercises and Activities: Practical exercises designed to engage participants in group discussions and self-reflection, fostering awareness and goal setting.
  • Relapse Prevention and Coping Skills: Techniques for developing relapse prevention skills, identifying triggers, and establishing effective coping mechanisms, alongside strategies for maintaining long-term recovery through peer support.
  • Evaluation and Progress Measurement: Approaches to assessing client progress through the stages of change, along with tools for evaluating treatment effectiveness and group outcomes over time.

*This is an anonymous group*

Group Objectives:
  • Understand the Disease Model of Addiction: Explore addiction as a complex health issue.
  • Recognize Warning Signs: Learn how to identify signs of addiction in yourself and others.
  • Relapse Prevention: Gain strategies to maintain recovery and avoid relapse.
  • Reduce Stigma: Foster an environment of acceptance and support for those affected by addiction.
  • Create a Healthier College Experience: Discover alternatives to alcohol and substance use that enhance your college life

When: Biweekly on Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 pm, Meredith 102, starting October 8th

  • Fall Dates
    • October 8th
    • October 22nd
    • November 5th
    • November 19th
    • December 3rd
  • Contact Heather.Watson@drake.edu with any questions or concerns. 
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