College students’ attitudes toward multiple pathways recovery communities inclusive of abstinent and nonabstinent goals

Objective To explore students’ attitudes toward recovery communities inclusive of multiple recovery pathways.Participants Students in recovery at a large public university (N = 86, 2023–2024).Methods In a web-based survey, students (62.7% women, M = 31.0 years) rated their level of comfort belonging to a multiple pathways community and provided their reasoning (n = 63). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically.Results Current or past twelve-step involvement and more positive attitudes toward harm reduction were associated with greater comfort belonging to a multiple pathways community. Students described their (1) general preferences for recovery support, (2) attitudes toward nonabstinent recovery, and (3) professional and lived experiences, and noted (4) potential benefits and (5) concerns. While many were open to a multiple pathways community, a sizable minority expressed concerns about integrating people with abstinence and moderation goals.Conclusions Findings highlight policies that colleges and universities may consider when developing programming for students with diverse recovery goals.