Collegiate Recovery Week aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and addiction

The perceived stigma surrounding mental health, especially addiction, remains a barrier to help-seeking, says the program manager of the University of Calgary Recovery Community (UCRC). 

And this is a prime focus of the upcoming Collegiate Recovery Week being hosted by UCRC at UCalgary, April 14-17. 

“We're noticing that public stigma is dropping, but there's still that internalized self-stigma or that fear of losing face,” says Chelsie Graham, BSW’22. “Addiction doesn't discriminate, and we want people to realize that it's also not a moral failing.”   

Supporting those who are in recovery 

Collegiate Recovery Week has been recognized annually by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education since 2010, and is an opportunity for universities across North America to highlight the importance of recovery-support systems in higher education.  

“UCalgary’s Collegiate Recovery Week celebrates anyone who is in, seeking, or curious about recovery from any substance or process addiction,” says Graham, adding that recovery is not limited to substance use; it also includes “gambling, eating disorders and porn addiction.”  

By reducing stigma through awareness, education and dialogue, Collegiate Recovery Week supports the vision of UCalgary’s recently renewed Community Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy.   

“Collegiate Recovery Week is important for us because it signifies that there's a movement on campus that is destigmatizing and humanizing people who are experiencing addiction and who are interested in recovering,” Graham says.  

She believes fostering a nurturing environment aids the journey of recovery. And this includes the people facilitating the recovery. 

“If a staff member who is supporting students feels valued, feels protected, feels supported, they are going to be more motivated and more equipped to serve our students better,” Graham says. 

She emphasizes the importance of being a safe space and being willing to talk to friends and family.  

For example, if someone discloses their struggle with addiction, Graham adds, respond with compassion because, “everybody is fighting a battle in some way or another.”  

Collegiate Recovery Week 2025 events 

A number of events are being hosted by UCRC at the Recovery Hub, next to the Subway in Yamnuska Hall.

Recovery Week officially begins April 14, when peer-recovery navigators, practicum students and volunteers will be at various locations with a mobile coffee cart, meeting with students and distributing recovery-themed self-care kits. The kits will include various resources, plus comfort and wellness products.  

Members of the UCalgary community are invited to recognize Collegiate Recovery Day itself on April 15 by wearing purple. 

There will also be a tie-dye clothing event on April 15 at 1 p.m at the Recovery Hub. Registration will be needed, and attendees will be provided with a T-shirt or can bring their own items, if they sign a damage waiver.  

The inspiring documentary The Anonymous People will screen at the Recovery Hub on April 16 from 5-7 p.m. highlighting the more than 23 million Americans in long-term recovery from addiction. 

The last event of the week is a UCRC-hosted open house on April 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., again at the Recovery Hub. The event includes a tour and a Q-&-A session about addiction and recovery.  

Open house attendees will also be able to take a deeper look at recovery initiatives and programs. while also learning more about UCRC’s successes over the past year.   

For more information and event registration for Collegiate Recovery Week, visit the website.