SAMHSA launches national recovery campaign amid growth in collegiate support

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has launched ‘The Great American Recovery’, a national initiative for National Recovery Month. Developed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the campaign emphasizes that recovery is built through partnerships involving families, employers, faith communities, and local leaders rather than through isolated effort.

One key component of the campaign focuses on reducing addiction stigma through storytelling, highlighting milestones and rebuilt relationships. The initiative prioritizes holistic care, research, and community connection to support long-term sobriety.

Parallel to national awareness efforts, collegiate recovery support is expanding across the United States. The Association of Recovery in Higher Education reported that the number of collegiate recovery programs grew from 29 in 2013 to 136 in 2024. While many of the 5,300 U.S. colleges and universities still lack dedicated services, institutions like Marquette University have implemented peer support meetings and alcohol-free campus spaces to assist students in maintaining sobriety while pursuing degrees.