By Raegan Scharfetter/managing editor

Students in Recovery Club offers help, resources to those recovering from alcohol, drug addiction

Addiction is a rising issue among college students, and NE Campus is focusing on helping students recover with the new Students in Recovery Club.

According to AddictionResource.com, drug abuse among college students and young adults in general stems from anxiety-related to being away from family, maintaining good grades, peer pressure, social engagements and the desire to experience new things.

SIRC’s mission statement says it wants to provide a supportive community where students hoping to recover can achieve academic success while enjoying a genuine college experience free from alcohol and drugs.

The idea grew from Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor program students, said SIRC vice president Sandra Lorden. Several students in the program are in recovery themselves, including her, who wanted to find an avenue to give back and help people still suffering from addiction.

“Recovery is possible, and it is so much easier when you have people to lean on, trust and talk to. We wanted to give an opportunity for fellowship and friendship at Tarrant County College,” Lorden said. “Addiction wants people to isolate. When you fight back and become involved, it will lose its stronghold in your heart.”

Lorden said it is important for one to have people to relate without worrying about being judged. SIRC members hope it will be a safe place for students to turn to find camaraderie in their fight against addiction, she said.

However, one doesn’t necessarily have to be an addict to be in the club. The SIRC welcomes anyone that supports the recovery movement and its community.

NE student Jack Webster, a SIRC member, said he hopes to gain more knowledge from the club and hopes others can gain from the experience as well.

“The fact that there is a club for recovering addicts is very uplifting and brings me hope,” Webster said. “I think the negative stigma may lift.”

NE student Crystal Padgett is also a SIRC member. She said she began using drugs recreationally as a healing mechanism in her mid-20s after experiencing an ugly divorce. It wasn’t until after the death of her two children that she lost control to the darkness of the drug world. It was more than a means of escape. It became a way of life for her, Padgett said.

“It’s been a long hard road to recovery, one I am still on today and will be for the rest of my life,” Padgett said. “There were a lot of times that I wanted to just give up. And on several occasions, I almost did.”

Padgett is now a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of Psi Beta and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was also recently accepted to Tarleton State University to continue working toward her bachelor’s in social work with an emphasis in Licensed Chemical Drug Counseling. She believes SIRC is important to help others make changes like she has made.

“I believe that students in recovery need an outlet to share with other individuals who are familiar with what they are feeling and experiencing,” Padgett said. “I am looking forward to becoming involved in this organization and look forward to helping it grow.”