CState Recovery Community

The CState Recovery Community welcomes students in Fall Semester 2024

The CState Recovery Community is a new resource for students in any stage of recovery, regardless of treatment or recovery goals. You are welcome if you have struggled with, are struggling with, or know someone struggling with mental health challenges and/or substance misuse.

The Recovery Community, in collaboration with Counseling Services, aims to create a sense of belonging for students who need support in dealing with substance use, misuse, mental health struggles, or problem behaviors, either for themselves or in relationships with others.

Cincinnati State’s program is a member of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.

What to Expect & Services Provided

Students who reach out to the Recovery Community can feel comfortable you will be “met where you are” in your recovery journey. The program will approach all types of recovery in a holistic and compassionate way, using harm reduction principles.

  • Holly Stoddard, MSSA, LISW, LICDC, is the coordinator for Recovery Community services. Holly is a faculty member in the Human & Social Services and Addition Studies programs, and a harm reductionist and trauma-informed therapist who specializes in trauma, substance and other use disorders, and recovery.
  • Eric Smith, MHPA, LSW, CTRP-C, the Triage Coordinator for Cincinnati State Counseling Services, supervises Peer Support and Community Resources provided through the Recovery Community.

A “drop in space” in ATLC 401 will be available to Recovery Community members. Hours of operation will be posted during Fall Semester. You can visit the space to attend groups, receive support, or just work on homework and build community with others.

Students who join the Recovery Community can attend support group sessions or schedule individual meetings with a Recovery Community counselor, peer supporter, or community resource specialist, or request support from Counseling Services.

  • Participating students must sign a Participant Handbook agreement to ensure compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and the mission and goals of the Recovery Community.
  • Depending on the topic, groups and activities may be facilitated by counselors, faculty or staff members with related expertise, or trained peer support leaders.

If you have ideas for a group or needed services, or if you want to get involved, email Holly at recoverycommunity@cincinnatistate.edu.

Possible Support Groups beginning in Fall 2024:

  • Veterans and Military support group
  • Support groups for relationships to Mind, Body, and Food
  • Gambling & Gaming support group
  • Self-Compassion support group
  • Family & Friends support group (for students who are affected because of their family or friends)
  • SMART Recovery group (an evidence-based alternative to the 12-step model)
  • Come As You Are group to welcome all into the community, focused on prevention, education, and building community