Research to Recovery 2025

In the realm of addiction care, providers encounter profound emotional and ethical challenges while supporting individuals affected by substance use disorders. This keynote will illuminate the interconnected concepts of compassion fatigue and moral injury, emphasizing their significant impact on providers and the quality of care they deliver.
We will address the critical importance of confronting these issues—not only for the well-being of clients but also for the health and resilience of the providers themselves. By recognizing and navigating compassion fatigue and moral injury, we can cultivate a therapeutic environment that fosters effective recovery processes. Join us as we delve into strategies for healing the healers, ultimately enhancing the care and compassion offered in addiction treatment and recovery support.

In this presentation, Liliana (Lily) Spurgeon, Program Coordinator for the UNM Collegiate Recovery Center, will explore how the Center uses a community-centered, culturally responsive approach to support recovery in higher education. Drawing from Tara J. Yosso’s framework of Community Cultural Wealth, the UNM CRC emphasizes students' strengths, resilience, and cultural assets. The session will also address the impact of historical trauma, particularly in New Mexico, and how it informs addiction recovery pathways. Through peer-led support, the CRC empowers students to succeed both in recovery and academics, providing a model for long-term success for marginalized student populations.