Liberty observes National Recovery Month, prepares to roll out new recovery program this spring

During September, National Recovery Month, Liberty University’s CARE and Support office is raising awareness of its new recovery program, Flames [Re]ignited, set to launch this spring, and is holding several events to encourage students to get connected with the program staff and receive support.

Flames [Re]ignited, which will be Liberty’s first student recovery program, will focus on providing support and resources to those struggling with alcohol, drug abuse, and other addictive behaviors.

Senior Associate Director of CARE and Support Jonathan Ignacio, who is serving as the recovery coordinator of Flames [Re]ignited, said the goal in the first year is to build awareness, reduce stigma around addiction recovery, and identify students who want to participate in the program and help lead it.

He said the rising number of young adults who use substances continues to be a pressing issue for colleges; around 21% of college students meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. Knowing that Christians are not exempt from these struggles, the office is striving to give students a safe recovery space on campus.

“Liberty’s mission is to develop Champions for Christ,” Ignacio said. “Addiction and recovery affect the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — so it is important that there be a pathway for students to find healing and restoration to fulfill their purpose in this world.”

Though addiction to alcohol and drugs is what is typically thought of when it comes to recovery, Ignacio said the program will focus on any life-controlling behaviors and compulsions, like sexual addiction, compulsive spending, gambling, technology, unhealthy relationship patterns, and more.

“As Liberty continues to grow and we welcome new students, our vision is to foster a safe and supportive community where students in recovery from substance use and other life-controlling struggles can grow in their faith and journey toward wholeness. One of the primary purposes of developing a collegiate recovery program is to embody Christ’s heart of redemption, grace, and restoration. Our desire is to see students flourish academically, spiritually, and ultimately live with purpose during their time at Liberty.”

Ignacio said the name, Flames [Re]ignited, was created to support Liberty’s values. The “[Re]” can also stand for redemption, recovery, renewal, restored, resilient, or other words, depending on the campaign and event.

“The purpose was to find a name that would be consistent with Liberty’s identity and be somewhat catchy. ‘Reignited’ conveys hope and renewal. It’s this idea that while flames can dwindle and begin to burn out, there’s opportunity for life and light to grow back even stronger. It is also future-focused, highlighting potential over the struggle.”

On Wednesday and Thursday, the CARE and Support office set up a Recovery Chalkboard Awareness Wall at the Montview Student Union, where students could write reflections and express hope about their own journeys. Staff also handed out information on the new program and resources available through the office.

“National Recovery Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the reality that millions of people are in recovery from substance use and other life-controlling challenges,” Ignacio said. “It is a chance to help break down stigma by showing recovery is possible and worth celebrating. It brings hope for those students who may feel alone at Liberty. We want to remind them that no one is too far from God’s grace and that recovery is not meant to be walked alone. This month is a reminder that there is power and shared strength when we fellowship and journey together.”

The Freedom Tower was also lit in purple, the official color of National Recovery Month, both nights.

Next week, the office will hold a Recovery Photo Campaign, where students can take photos and post them to social media by tagging CARE and Support (@lucareandsupport) and using #nationalrecoverymonth. Students can also submit paintings, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, poems, and prose that focuses on themes like recovery, transformation, identity, hope, mental health, grace, and personal growth for a Recovery Art Exhibit from Sept. 22-Oct. 6, held at both the Jerry Falwell Library foyer and outside the LaHaye Event Space in Marie E. Green Hall. (Fill out the submitted form; the deadline is Sept. 17).

On Sept. 23, a Night of Recovery event will be held in the Commuter Lounge in Green Hall, where students will hear from Branden Gard, program director at Eagles Nest Regeneration (a faith-based recovery program in Madison Heights, Va.), about his personal journey through recovery.

CARE and Support will host a Flames [Re]ignited interest meeting for students at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 in their office in Green Hall (GH 1838).

“One of the best ways to get involved is to check out our events this month,” Ignacio said. “Maybe a student is not in recovery but is an ally. Allies are so important and help embody Christ’s call to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Their encouragement and advocacy reflect the Gospel message of hope and redemption. A person does not have to be in recovery to make a difference.”

For more information or assistance, email recovery@liberty.edu or call (434) 582-7107.

Liberty’s CARE and Support office strives to bridge the gap between those who need support and those who can help by assessing specific needs, collaborating with university and community resources, and empowering individual success. Contact CARE@liberty.edu for more information.