Recovery Support Initiatives Emphasize Designated Drivers and Campus Programs

Jessica Cook shares how serving as a designated sober driver helped her maintain long‑term sobriety after her 17‑year‑old son Jonah was injured in a crash with an impaired driver. She argues that the role provides clear purpose, built‑in accountability and a form of service that aligns with Alcoholics Anonymous principles, making social events easier for people in recovery.

Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are expanding across U.S. campuses, offering substance‑free housing, on‑campus meetings, peer support and counseling. The Association of Recovery in Higher Education sets standards for staffing and program quality. From 29 programs in 2015, the number grew to 176 by 2025, though they remain a small fraction of the roughly 5,300 colleges. Early data suggest lower relapse rates and higher academic outcomes for participants, though research remains limited.