Recovery at USM
Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator/ Clinical Counselor
September is National Recovery Month, and here at the University of Southern Maine, recovery is celebrated, encouraged and supported!
The Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC) is a safe campus space for all students
identifying as being in recovery from substance use and other mental health conditions. The ROCC also
welcomes recovery allies.
The goal at the ROCC is to help empower individuals to explore and develop their own
recovery. The ROCC is a peer support center, which means that the student peers organize and facilitate groups and activities.
In this supportive community, students can make on-campus connections with others
who are in recovery or supportive of recovery.
The ROCC utilizes SAMSHA’s definition of recovery: “A process of change through which
individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” (Department of Health and Human Services, (2012) SAMHSA's Working Definition of Recovery, Pub id: PEP12-
RECDEF)
Programming includes: weekly recovery peer support groups, educational trainings on
recovery oriented topics, fun social events, and larger community outreach events.
Becoming a Peer involves making a commitment to your own recovery and the recovery
of your peers, including attending a group or event at the ROCC once a week, (there are a few forms to review and sign, and you get a free t-shirt). Individuals in recovery and recovery allies can become peers.
Individuals can also come to groups, and take part in activities as “visitors”.
Recovery is a journey and there are many pathways. Each individual’s journey is unique,
and there are multiple avenues for support. Recovery supports might involve: 12 step, SMART Recovery,
meditation, yoga, non-affiliated peer support groups, medication assisted treatment, clinical treatment
such as individual counseling, spirituality and church groups, volunteerism, and advocacy.
The ROCC supports each student in their own recovery journey, and welcomes many
different types of support groups. Group offerings change each semester, and are initiated and facilitated by peers with support from staff.
Here’s what previous ROCC peers have shared:
“What I found at the ROCC was a sense of community, the support that I needed to succeed, and the motivation towards becoming a Mental Health Advocate.” –Nick T.
“I found the ROCC when I arrived in Maine from Texas, and I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. They did not have a "Big Book" based 12-step meeting, so, Big Book thumper that I am, I started one with the help of Ms. Anna. I don't know if the meeting helped any attendees, but I know it helped me. That Friday meeting was often the highlight of my week. I am eternally grateful to the ROCC for the
opportunities it affords its members and guests.” –Paul M.
“Everyone I met at the ROCC and the ROCC itself took a big part in my personal recovery. Compassion and humanity is shown and felt by all at the ROCC with genuine support and care.” – Ashley V.
“The ROCC has a piece of my heart and soul, legit.”- Andrew K.
“Partaking in the opportunity to directly help students felt like a scary and overwhelming endeavor at first, but in hindsight it has greatly contributed to my sense of community here at USM.”- Bianca S.
Interested? Feel free to stop by the ROCC anytime, or check out the calendar of
recovery groups & amp; events online at usm.maine.edu/recovery. Don’t see the type of recovery group or event you’re looking for? Talk to a coordinator about starting your own! Want to become a peer? Email [email protected], or come by and chat with us.
The ROCC is located on the top floor of the Sullivan fitness complex on the Portland Campus. Front desk
# 228-8043.