As opioid abuse rises to epidemic levels, a growing number of US colleges have started to provide sober living options.

According to an article published by Stateline this summer, roughly 150 universities in 49 states now offer housing for students in recovery. As recently as 2012, there were only 35 such programs.

On-campus sober housing — which typically includes counseling, as well as opportunities to engage in college life — is quite effective.

Ninety-five percent of students in collegiate recovery programs maintain their sobriety, according to data from the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE). Relapse rates in the general population range from 40 percent to 60 percent.

Rutgers University (NJ) is home to one of the nation’s oldest sober housing programs. Coordinator Lisa Laitman told Stateline that many students transfer to the university specifically because of its sober living options, first offered in 1988.

“Our students really flourish in this environment,” she said. “…As long as you can provide them with friends and a place that’s safe and a certain amount of activity, they do really well.”

Read the full story and learn more about collegiate recovery programs.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.