Watch CBS News

Collegiate Recovery From Substance Abuse

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Twenty year-old Aaron Weir attends a Texas Tech University program for students who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. He receives a $3,000 scholarship each year for earning near-perfect grades while staying sober. According to the article in The Wall Street Journal, the fastest growing demographic seeking treatment for substance abuse is 18-24.

And a growing number of colleges, including University of Michigan and Penn State are using the model where amenities include sober-student hangouts with study pods, a pool table, the well known 12-step meetings and Saturday night "dry" parties. Recently 20 colleges formed the Association for Recovery in Higher Education.

Aaron belongs to the center's "collegiate recovery community" where membership includes attending a one-credit class each semester in relapse recovery and community service.

Students posted cumulative averages of 3.34, a graduation rate of 80% and an annual relapse rate of only 6%. It's clearly a model for replication.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.