Canadian University Students' Experiences of Addiction Recovery: A Pilot Study
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| Title: | Canadian University Students' Experiences of Addiction Recovery: A Pilot Study |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Victoria F. Burns, Ashley Ethier, Noor Hadad, Emily Hennessy, Andrew Szeto |
| Source: | Canadian Journal of Higher Education. 2025 55(4):109-130. |
| Availability: | Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. P.O. Box 34091, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5, Canada. Tel: 204-474-6404; Fax: 204-474-7561; e-mail: csshe@cc.umanitoba.ca; Web site: http://journals.sfu.ca/cjhe/index.php/cjhe/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 22 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Addictive Behavior, Rehabilitation, Barriers, Student Diversity, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Marijuana, Self Destructive Behavior, Smoking, Eating Disorders, Intervention, Counseling, Social Media, Peer Influence, Coping |
| ISSN: | 0316-1218 |
| Abstract: | Addiction is a critical concern on Canadian post-secondary campuses, yet recovery remains largely overlooked. Guided by a recovery capital framework, this pilot survey explored the recovery characteristics, supports, and barriers among 101 Canadian university students (average age 24.5). Participants reflected diversity across gender (men 49.5%, women 39.6%, minoritized 10.9%), sexual orientation (LGBTQIA2S+ 46.5%), and race/ethnicity (racially minoritized 45.5%). Recovery pathways were primarily abstinence-based (59.4%), followed by non-abstinence approaches (25.7%) and those unsure (9.9%). Students reported recovering from alcohol (44.6%), cannabis (26.7%), self-harm (24.8%), nicotine (23.8%), and eating issues (21.8%). The most useful supports were individual therapy (52.5%), media (35.6%), and peer groups (33.7%). Barriers included fear of losing coping mechanisms (63.4%) and minimizing problem severity (48.5%). Most students viewed campus as recovery-threatening (68.3%) and called for more supports, particularly substance-free residence housing (74.3%) and better access to services (29.7%). Findings underscore the need for recovery-inclusive strategies in Canadian higher education. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1493621 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Addiction is a critical concern on Canadian post-secondary campuses, yet recovery remains largely overlooked. Guided by a recovery capital framework, this pilot survey explored the recovery characteristics, supports, and barriers among 101 Canadian university students (average age 24.5). Participants reflected diversity across gender (men 49.5%, women 39.6%, minoritized 10.9%), sexual orientation (LGBTQIA2S+ 46.5%), and race/ethnicity (racially minoritized 45.5%). Recovery pathways were primarily abstinence-based (59.4%), followed by non-abstinence approaches (25.7%) and those unsure (9.9%). Students reported recovering from alcohol (44.6%), cannabis (26.7%), self-harm (24.8%), nicotine (23.8%), and eating issues (21.8%). The most useful supports were individual therapy (52.5%), media (35.6%), and peer groups (33.7%). Barriers included fear of losing coping mechanisms (63.4%) and minimizing problem severity (48.5%). Most students viewed campus as recovery-threatening (68.3%) and called for more supports, particularly substance-free residence housing (74.3%) and better access to services (29.7%). Findings underscore the need for recovery-inclusive strategies in Canadian higher education. |
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| ISSN: | 0316-1218 |
