GUEST ROOM | Recovery Belongs at Cornell — And So Do the Students Living It

Jacob Parker Carver is an Alcohol & Other Drug Specialist at Cornell Health. He can be contacted at jp868@cornell.edu. 

At Cornell, there’s a lot of focus on pushing our limits — academically, athletically, socially. Students glorify those extra few hours spent late at the library, those extra reps at the end of a tough workout, or those double-booked events on their calendars. But there’s another kind of strength on this campus that doesn’t always get noticed: students choosing sobriety or doing the daily work of recovery. That kind of resilience isn’t loud. It shows up in quiet decisions — getting to class, reaching out for support, building routines that make long-term success possible. 

For some students, recovery isn’t a side note to their Cornell experience. It’s what makes everything else here possible. It’s how they stay focused on their goals, maintain relationships and care for their mental and physical wellbeing. Supporting recovery isn’t about singling anyone out; it’s about recognizing that flourishing at Cornell often depends on being able to do so within a community. 

Cornell can be both inspiring and demanding. Many students navigate academic intensity, traditions and social life without experiencing challenges with alcohol or other drugs. At the same time, some students experience significant harm and certain environments can make it harder to prioritize their wellbeing. For students who are sober, whether because of personal choice, cultural or religious values or because they are in recovery, it can be harder to find spaces and activities that align with personal goals. 

Sobriety and recovery, though, are not about stepping away from campus life. They’re about finding new ways to connect, build friendships and create meaning. They’re about developing a sense of belonging that supports long-term well-being. When sobriety is recognized and supported as a strength and even a salient identity, more students have the freedom to make choices that work for them. 

Cornell is taking some new and meaningful steps in this direction. The Recovery in Community film and book series has created opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage in thoughtful conversations about substance use and healing. These events center around real stories and lived experiences, helping reduce stigma while building shared understanding. They offer a chance to reflect on how recovery intersects with identity, relationships and community — and to recognize that recovery journeys are diverse and deeply human. 

Looking ahead, the University is also planning to launch a sober living community beginning in Fall 2026. Students’ living environments significantly shape their sense of stability and belonging. Substance-free housing can provide a supportive foundation for students working to maintain sobriety while fully engaging in academic and social life. Creating these options reflects an understanding that recovery is part of student wellbeing and deserves intentional support. 

Support is also available through existing services at Cornell Health. Our Alcohol and Other Drug Services offer harm-reduction education, individual support and recovery-focused groups like Discover Recovery. These spaces are designed to meet students where they are, whether they are exploring changes in their relationship with substances or actively sustaining long-term recovery. 

Recovery is not about perfection. It is about persistence, growth and hope. Students in recovery are already contributing as leaders, scholars, athletes and friends. Recognizing their experiences strengthens our campus community as a whole. If you are sober, in recovery, or simply thinking about your relationship with substances, know that you are not alone. Your path is part of Cornell’s story — and supporting that diversity helps build a healthier future for everyone. 

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