West Texas A&M University to offer on-campus system for students recovering from substance abuse

CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – West Texas A&M University is launching Buff CARES, an on-campus support system for students in recovery from substance use disorders beginning this fall.

According to WT officials, Buff CARES, or College Addiction Recovery, Education and Support, will provide a staff person, weekly meetings, counseling sessions, and other support for students facing addiction issues. Officials noted that these students will also live in a dedicated wing of Guenther Hall on WT’s Canyon campus.

“Building a community of support for students in recovery is vital to the student’s academic success, but most importantly, it is vital to their success in life,” said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean of WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which will administer the Buff CARES program.

WT officials noted that the program will be part of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education program and will launch with 10 students with plans to grow over the coming years. Officials also noted that philanthropic support for the first year of the program has been secured and ongoing fundraising will ensure the program’s long-term viability.

“Recovery can be a lifelong journey, and we believe we are laying a foundation that offers students the best opportunity to continue their recovery journey in a safe and supported environment, breaking the cycle of addiction for themselves as well as future generations,” Jeffreys said.

Officials stated that 200 similar programs exist among other U.S. colleges and universities with studies showing that young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 have higher rates of illicit drug use and substance use disorders but only a third of young people receive appropriate aftercare and not enough can find recovery-focused social environments.

“There’s only four actually in Texas that have a housing component. So we’re really excited to be a regional school that offers that component to it, and we’re actively looking for students,” said Jeffreys.

WT officials stated that for students to qualify for the program they must be in recovery for a year and to remain in the program they must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and attend counseling sessions and weekly addiction support meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

“I have said, and I truly mean it, that we want any student at WT who wants to come here to study and prepare themselves for engaged citizenship in their families, communities and professions,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “People in recovery for a year or more have proven their willingness to focus and work hard. If a WT education can help a student in their recovery and with improving their life, why would we not welcome them with open arms? We care about students and their families. Buff CARES provides another opportunity for WT to make a difference.”

WT officials stated that key features of the Buff CARES program include wellness activities like:

• Yoga or meditation;
• Academic support including tutoring, mentoring, and other resources;
• Sober social events and activities; and
• Referrals to on-campus and community resources for additional support.

Students in the Buff CARES program who live on campus have the opportunity to participate in university life, according to WT officials, and WT will frequently focus on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

“I don’t know anybody that doesn’t need a second chance with something. I certainly have had mine. And I think that opportunity is a sign of a really good university. And I’ll tell you something else, it’s the sign of the Texas panhandle. People make mistakes, they do things that are not productive,” said Wendler. “But they get the chance to come back and rectify those things. And I think it’s very important, and we want to be open to all folks.”

WT officials also stated that WT’s Division of Student Affairs offers assessment, screening for substance use disorders, and referral to inpatient or outpatient treatment. Officials also noted that individual counseling sessions for associated problems like anxiety and depression are also offered.

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