William Magee Center Marks Recovery Awareness Month with Special Observance Initiatives

September 3, 2025

Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi is expanding its commitment to student and community wellbeing with a series of events dedicated to recognizing and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. What began as a single-day event has blossomed into a weekend-long initiative designed to foster understanding and provide resources for those affected by substance use disorders.

Expert to Share Insights into Addiction and Support

The recovery awareness activities will commence on Thursday, September 4th, at 7:00 PM in the Gertrude C.Ford Ole Miss Student Union auditorium. Barry Doughty,Direct Care coordinator at the Oxford Treatment Center,will deliver a keynote address. This event is free and accessible to the public.

Doughty’s presentation will draw upon both his professional experience assisting people in navigating recovery, and his own lived experience with overcoming addiction. He will offer practical guidance to families and friends on how to offer support in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.

Shannon Richardson, Assistant Director of the William Magee Center, explained the intention behind the presentation. “Every individual’s path to recovery is unique and deeply personal,” Richardson stated. “Our aim is to empower attendees with the knowledge and confidence to support loved ones effectively.”

Community Walk to Highlight Unity and Support

Extending the initiative,the William Magee Center invites the community to participate in a Recovery Walk on Sunday,September 7th,at 2:00 PM. The walk will begin at the South Campus Recreation Center.

According to Richardson, the weekend’s events are purposefully scheduled at the beginning of September to inaugurate a month-long celebration honoring those in recovery. “We want to emphasize that no one needs to face these challenges alone,” she added.

Growing Collegiate Recovery Programs

The University of Mississippi is part of a growing national trend of institutions establishing collegiate recovery programs. Currently, over 180 such programs exist across the United States. At Ole Miss, the initiative is known as the Collegiate Recovery Community.

Alysia lajune, Program Manager at the center, noted, “We strive to provide a welcoming and all-encompassing setting for individuals actively engaged in recovery, as well as those who support them or prefer to lead a substance-free lifestyle.”

research indicates that collegiate recovery programs play a crucial role in reducing the risk of relapse,fostering student success,and promoting overall wellbeing. The University of Mississippi benefits from meaningful philanthropic contributions that enable student scholarships and dedicated support staff.

Did You Know? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),approximately 1 in 5 young adults aged 18-25 experience a substance use disorder each year.

Event	Date	time	Location
Barry Doughty Presentation	September 4th, 2025	7:00 PM	Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union
Recovery Walk	September 7th, 2025	2:00 PM	South Campus Recreation Center

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out for help. The substance Abuse and Mental Health Services governance (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Understanding the Importance of Recovery support

The increasing awareness of substance use disorders and the importance of recovery is a significant public health trend. Collegiate recovery communities, like the one at Ole Miss, are vital in providing a safe and supportive environment for students to navigate their challenges and achieve lasting wellness. These programs offer not just abstinence-based support, but also life skills development, academic support, and a strong community network.

The focus on family and friend support, as emphasized by the upcoming presentation, is also critical. Loved ones play a key role in the recovery process,and learning how to provide empathetic and non-judgmental support can substantially improve outcomes.

Frequently asked Questions About Recovery Support

• What is a collegiate recovery community? A support system at universities for students in recovery from substance use disorders.
• What kind of support dose the William Magee center offer? The center provides resources, scholarships, and personnel to aid students in their recovery journey.
• How can I support a friend or family member in recovery? Offer compassionate, non-judgmental support and encourage them to seek professional help.
• Is the barry Doughty presentation open to the public? Yes, the presentation is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about recovery.
• Where can I find additional resources for substance use disorder support? SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a great starting point.
• What is the role of donor support in these programs? Donor support provides essential funding for scholarships and personnel,enabling the program’s success in aiding students in recovery.

What are your thoughts on the growing number of collegiate recovery programs? Do you believe these initiatives are effectively addressing the challenges of substance abuse among young adults? Share your comments below!

What specific types of addiction treatment does the William Magee Center for Wellness offer?

Understanding Recovery awareness Month

recovery Awareness Month, observed annually in September, is a national campaign dedicated too increasing awareness and understanding of substance use disorder, mental health conditions, and the vital importance of recovery. The William Magee Center for Wellness, a leading provider of addiction treatment and mental health services, is actively participating with a series of initiatives designed to support individuals on their journey to wellness and to educate the broader community. This year’s focus emphasizes hope, connection, and empowerment within the recovery community.

William Magee Center’s September Initiatives: A Detailed Look

The William Magee Center has planned a robust schedule of events and programs throughout September. These initiatives aim to reach diverse audiences, from individuals currently in treatment to families and the general public.

Here’s a breakdown of key activities:

Community Education Workshops: Free workshops will be held weekly, covering topics like:

understanding Addiction: Dispelling myths and recognizing the signs.

Mental Health first Aid: Learning how to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Family Support Groups: Providing a safe space for loved ones to connect and share experiences.

Wellness & Mindfulness Sessions: Daily sessions focusing on stress reduction, mindfulness techniques, and holistic wellness practices. These are open to current clients and the wider community, promoting self-care and emotional regulation.

Peer Support network Expansion: The Center is actively expanding its peer support network, connecting individuals in recovery with trained peers who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community. This initiative highlights the power of shared experience in the recovery process.

Social Media Campaign: #mageerecoverystories: A dedicated social media campaign encouraging individuals to share their recovery journeys using the hashtag #MageeRecoveryStories.This aims to reduce stigma and inspire others.

Partnerships with Local Organizations: Collaborations with local schools, community centers, and healthcare providers to deliver educational presentations and resources on addiction prevention and mental health awareness.

The Importance of Reducing Stigma Around Addiction & Mental Health

A significant barrier to recovery is the pervasive stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental health conditions. The William Magee Center’s initiatives directly address this issue by:

Promoting Open Dialog: Creating safe spaces for conversations about addiction and mental health.

Sharing Personal Stories: Highlighting the courage and resilience of individuals in recovery.

Educating the Public: Dispelling misconceptions and promoting accurate data.

Advocating for Policy Changes: Supporting policies that promote access to treatment and reduce discrimination.

Reducing stigma is crucial for encouraging individuals to seek help, fostering a supportive community, and ultimately, saving lives. Terms like addiction treatment, mental health services, and recovery support are central to this effort.

Benefits of Participating in Recovery Awareness Month Activities

Engaging with Recovery Awareness Month events,whether as an individual in recovery,a family member,or a community member,offers numerous benefits:

Increased Awareness: Learning more about addiction,mental health,and the recovery process.

Reduced Isolation: Connecting with others who understand your experiences.

Enhanced Support: Accessing resources and support services.

Empowerment: Finding hope and inspiration.

Community Building: Strengthening the recovery community.

Real-World Impact: The William Magee Center’s Commitment to Long-Term Recovery

The William Magee Center doesn’t just focus on short-term treatment; it’s dedicated to supporting long-term recovery. This commitment is demonstrated through:

Comprehensive Treatment Programs: Offering a range of evidence-based treatment options, including detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.

Aftercare Planning: Developing individualized aftercare plans to help clients maintain their recovery after leaving treatment.

Alumni Support Groups: Providing ongoing support and connection for graduates of the program.

Continuing education: Offering workshops and training opportunities for professionals in the field of addiction and mental health.

Resources for Support and Information

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or a mental health condition, here are some valuable resources:

William Magee Center for Wellness: https://www.williammageecenter.com/

* SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free, 24/7 information service, in English and Spanish, providing referrals to local treatment