Spotlight On: Buckeyes in Recovery
Meet K., Anthony and Tawanda — three extraordinary Buckeyes who talked about recovery, getting there and what others can do to get help.
In September, we celebrated National Recovery Month, which seeks to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the accomplishments of people in recovery.
To Ohio State student K. Wilson, Recovery Month has a special meaning — because her sober date is in September, too. “It’s a good reminder of where I was two years ago. I did not have any hope of maintaining recovery, but I look now at all the resources that have been given to me.”
It’s also an opportunity for us all to reflect on the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and to begin fighting back against it.
“Recovery month is a time to bring the issue into awareness,” explains Tawanda Chabikwa, “and give people a more multi-dimensional idea of what recovery is besides the stigma.”
Ohio State’s Collegiate Recovery Community
The Office of Student Life is proud to house the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), with provides Buckeyes in and seeking recovery with the resources they need and the sense of community that makes the student experience at Ohio State extraordinary.
Anthony Rutledge describes the CRC as “a safe place where I can hang out with like-minded people and have somebody to bounce ideas off of. It gives me that dual aspect of being a student and being in recovery too.”
The CRC offers weekly support meetings, social events, individual recovery plans and so much more — all with the purpose of ensuring that Ohio State students in recovery can achieve a full and meaningful college experience.
“It makes sure you don’t feel alone on this campus,” K. says. “It gives you structure and a community to get through the college process and still maintain your sobriety.”
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Buckeyes
Tawanda, Anthony and K. each provided inspiring advice for their fellow Buckeyes — those in recovery already, but also those who may be considering or seeking recovery.
“Recovery is not negative, and what you are going through is a very human thing,” explains Tawanda. “Hanging out with people in recovery, you get answers and you don’t have to experience it alone.”
“For students in recovery, it’s important to find a support system,” says Anthony. “And for those thinking they need help — just ask.”
All of the Buckeyes we interviewed emphasized that asking for resources when you need them is critical.
According to K., “You have nothing to be ashamed of, and the only way to recover is to ask for help. Nobody can do it alone.”
“We don’t all have to outwardly fight the stigma by sharing our personal experiences, but if even one person can stand up, we can start to change how society sees and talks about sobriety and recovery.” —Anthony Rutledge
Thank you to K., Anthony and Tawanda for sharing their stories! Get to know the Collegiate Recovery Community by visiting their website or by checking out our spotlight on program manager Ahmed Hosni.
