What happens when a student in recovery returns to a campus built around drinking culture?

In this episode, Tom Bannard shares his own path from addiction, legal consequences, and a felony conviction to leading one of the largest collegiate recovery programs in Virginia. Now the Assistant Director for Substance Use and Recovery Support at VCU, Tom explains why most college campuses are not designed for students navigating addiction — and what it actually takes to change that.

Joanna and Tom discuss readiness after treatment, the real risks of rushing back to school, and what families should look for when considering a collegiate recovery program. If your student is in recovery and thinking about returning to campus, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer clarity about what support truly means.

Tom’s Resources: 

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Rams in Recovery

LinkedIn: Tom Bannard

Instagram: @ramsinrecovery

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #CollegiateRecovery #RamsInRecovery #TomBannard #VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity #VCU