Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sponsors Recovery Month to spread awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who have recovered.

Substance abuse is a serious and real thing. In the first quarter of 2018, the Substance Abuse Helpline received an average of 68,683 calls per month. Recovered addicts gain a great amount of respect for overcoming such strong addictions.

The University of North Dakota Counseling Center strongly supports the celebration of recovered substance abusers this year by hosting their second annual Rally for Recovery 5k, which notified students and the counseling center staff about participating to support the community efforts to bring awareness to the recovery community in Grand Forks. Additionally, in the past, the center has had tables and booths set out at the Rally for Recovery in Grand Forks where they hand out information about all the services that are offered. 

Taking a closer look into UND’s counseling center, they offer helpful services with great staff to get you on the road to recovery. UND’s counseling center provides students with Level I Treatment, which is anywhere between one-eight hours of services/programming per week. If the student completes the evaluation and it is determined that they have met the criteria for a higher level of care, staff then assists the student in connecting with resources and services that fit the appropriate level of care. 

The University Counseling Center’s mission is to empower students to reach their full potential while providing challenging self-growth opportunities through a full-range of therapeutic intervention opportunities. 

“I really enjoy the college population. College can be hard and there are a lot of challenges that students’ face, but I enjoy being able to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to support students,” Carolyn Shabb, UND addiction and mental health counselor said. “I also enjoy being involved in Outreach Events on campus. These events allow for the Counseling Center to be present for students to ask questions, connect with our staff and allow us to continue working to decrease the stigma that surrounds substance use and mental health, specifically on a college campus.”

If you have any concerns about your substance use, you are welcome to come in and meet with one of UND’s addiction counselors. UND Counseling Center wants to make it very clear that stopping in to ask questions about your substance use does not mean that you will be thrown into treatment or told that you have a Substance Use Disorder. 

The University Counseling services are free for students, unless the student is mandated to complete a required program due to a violation. The Counseling Center has walk-in sessions available for students every hour from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday. Additionally, there are currently active groups taking place. Some groups are “drop-in” groups, which is where students do not need to be enrolled in counseling services to attend. 

If you have any questions regarding National Recovery Month, Substance Abuse or anything related to counseling, UND’s counseling center would gladly help in any way. They can be reached at (701) 777-2127 and they are located in McCannel Hall, Rm. 200.