ABSTRACT
This chapter provides higher education professionals on campus an introduction to the benefits and challenges of providing students access to a continuum of substance abuse prevention and recovery support services. Stigma surrounding substance abuse increases when in reality many medical conditions that manifest physically have a bio-behavioral root. The chapter reviews institutional receptivity and resistance to substance abuse programs and the risks and benefits of providing care. It discusses common philosophical approaches to substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. The chapter provides a comprehensive continuum of campus support and a guide for creating sustainable campus recovery support programs. Prevailing research indicates that a prevention model based on a public health approach is best suited to address the individual as well as the environment and is the most appropriate and effective for campus. The Social Ecological Model is a widely used public health approach that recognizes the synergistic influences on the individual that influence values, beliefs and decision making.
