Reaching out for help can be the most challenging step for those struggling with addiction. That’s why the Vandal Recovery Program provides a safe space with an abundance of resources to support students on their recovery journey. Located at 822 Elm Street, the center is staffed for drop-ins Wednesday and Thursday from 1 – 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 2 – 4:30 p.m. There are also events scheduled throughout the week, and students can text or call the Vandal Recovery number at 208-874-2942 to find out more information, ask questions or schedule an appointment.
Vandal Recovery Program Coordinator, Emily Levine, also serves as an on-call crisis worker at the Latah Recovery Center and just began working at the Vandal Recovery Program in January of 2023. Although she is new to the program, Levine is passionate about spreading the word about the resources provided by the program and getting students connected with programs that could help them on their recovery journey.
“What Vandal Recovery is trying to do is raise awareness that it’s okay to seek services for the long term,” Levine said. “And that it’s okay to have a community of people who want to … practice healthier lifestyles, and that there’s other people on campus that share the same values.”
The program supplies students with many different free resources such as condoms, Narcan, a medicine used to reverse opioid overdose, and hygiene kits with basic supplies like toothpaste or hairbrushes. Along with providing free health materials, the recovery program also serves as a safe space for students who need help connecting with other resources or finding help.
“If someone showed up in my office, and they were clearly distressed, I can de-escalate the situation and I can contact the crisis center and let them know that … the person is in crisis,” Levine said. “If they want to talk to a clinician, I can bridge that gap and we can set it up so that the person can get the help that they need.”
Vandal Recovery is also a place for long-term recovery, and the program hopes to create a space where students in recovery can find a community to support and encourage them. This community aspect of the program includes promoting sober activities on campus and weekly recovery meetings that convene every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
“The recovery meeting addresses a wide variety of issues like mental health challenges, substance abuse challenges and eating disorders. The group tries to find a broad way to share our experiences and how we got through our struggles that could potentially help someone else if they’re struggling with something similar,” Levine said. “So, it’s just a safe place to go and be able to non-judgmentally share and disclose things that people are struggling with.”
Levine emphasized that all of the resources and services provided by the Vandal Recovery Program are completely confidential, so students do not need to worry about anyone finding out about the help they have received. The stigma surrounding addiction and recovery can make it challenging for students to reach out, but Levine explained that there is no shame in asking for help.
“It’s hard to get to the point where you’re admitting that you need a little extra help, or that extra support,” Levine said. “But for me personally, when I finally had the courage and reached out and was able to ask for help, it was so relieving to be able to have people reach back and say ‘we know what you’ve been through, and it’s okay. And we’re here to help you through it.’ So, I would encourage people to definitely reach out if they feel like they’re struggling with anything.”
For anyone in recovery, or wanting to start their recovery journey, the Vandal Recovery Program is a safe and judgement-free place to find community and get help. Other resources available for students on campus include The Counseling and Testing Center and the Hope in Change: Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Group, which is set to meet Wednesday, April 5 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in LLC 3. More information about resources for healthy living on campus can be found here.
“There’s no shame in getting help. We all deal with things that are challenging and hard in life, and having that extra support is ok,” Levine said. “I’d encourage people to reach out when they’re struggling, because it’s not fun going through it alone.”
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]