Research to Recovery 2025

The impact of participation of people with lived experience of drug use and affected family members in an advanced international graduate program in addiction science.

People with lived experience (PWLE) of drug use and affected family members (AFMs) have increasingly been recognized as essential stakeholders/contributors in efforts to reduce drug harms. While this trend has promise to reduce stigma and save lives, evidence- and experience-informed perspectives have often been seen as at odds with each other.  Researchers and academics often hold a privileged role in important decision-making processes related to drug treatment and policy.

Graduate programs in addiction increase knowledge of evidence-informed theories of addiction and interventions designed to ameliorate its harms. Inclusion of PWLE and AFM in such programs may yield benefits, both to the programs as well as to students with and without lived experience, who seek to impact policy and research.

This symposium will present perspectives of students, alumni, and faculty from the International Programme in Addiction Studies (IPAS) related to the benefits of participation of PWLE in a graduate program in addiction science. IPAS is jointly offered by VCU, King’s College London, and the University of Adelaide that has attracted a broad spectrum of international and US students. Two areas of focus will be the impact of education on the ability of PWLE and AFMs to engage in advocacy and curriculum development work as well as the understanding of their own drug-related experiences. Differences in the experience of addiction and recovery internationally will also be addressed.

This panel will explore the process of going to school (from GED to PhD!) as a person in recovery.  For many people in recovery, going to school is a daunting task and one filled with complex emotions.  Panelists will share about their own personal educational journeys in recovery as well as the ways they support students of all ages in the process and the tangible support that is available.  The panel will also explore key support that clinicians and family members can provide that can help individuals be successful in this journey.  

Graduate Student Presentation Contest: A select number of graduate students will be chosen to give a brief presentation (10-15 min) of their research. These students will be eligible for an additional prize based on their ability to make their research accessible for a general audience.