Vanderbilt Recovery Support is housed within the Center for Student Wellbeing and has been part of the university for 15 years. It aims to provide a supportive and accountable community for individuals concerned about their alcohol or other drug misuse and those actively in recovery from addiction. The program’s motto, “You are not alone,” guides its goal to create a sober community where students feel a sense of belonging on campus.
On Saturday, Oct. 14 , before Vanderbilt kicks off against the Georgia Bulldogs, VRS will host a sober tailgate in partnership with the UGA Recovery Community and Sober AF Entertainment.
The tailgate and watch party begin at 9 a.m. on Commodore Lawn (Rec Field 3) and are open to all students and guests. There will be food, music, resources and community-building opportunities. RSVPs are not required but are encouraged.
In addition to the sober tailgate and other events, VRS offers several resources for students in recovery who are working toward success in their academic, social, personal and professional lives, including:
- Individual coaching and monthly seminars.
- Four weekly meetings, including a friends and family group for anyone impacted by a loved one’s use and an LGBTQI-specific meeting.
- Social and service events, where students continue to develop strategies to successfully navigate their academic, social, personal and professional lives.
- Campus-wide prevention programming, fentanyl testing strip distribution, and NARCAN (also known as naloxone) training and distribution in partnership with End Overdose.
As part of the university’s larger harm reduction efforts and to complement the work of VRS and End Overdose, beginning the third week of October an emergency box containing NARCAN nasal spray will be installed in the Branscomb Quad Munchie Mart lobby, Hank Ingram House lobby, Lewis House lobby and by the Rand Hall Munchie Mart. There are instructions at the boxes and a QR code which will take users to an instructional video. The boxes are for emergency use only.
Vanderbilt University Police Department cars have also been equipped with NARCAN, and officers have been trained to administer the medication.
For more information about VRS and alcohol and other drug support resources, visit the Center for Student Wellbeing website.
