Recovery

Substance-Free Living at UCSC: You’re Not Alone

If you are in recovery, you are not alone. According to data from the 2021 National College Health Association survey, less than 40% of UCSC students had used cannabis in the last 3 months and almost 40% of students reported not having consumed alcohol in the same period. There are other students on campus who are in recovery or who choose not to use substances for a variety of reasons (religious, medical, family history of substance use, etc.). They go to raves, parties, and other events and still have fun while sober.

Some Party Safe tips for partying sober at UCSC:

• Find a crew that doesn’t drink or use drugs. There are others out there like you. 
• Bring a non-alcoholic beverage or treat you are excited about to the party. You deserve to have nice things too. 
• Lots of bars have mocktail options now. Ask the bartender what they can whip you up. 
• Keep a cup in your hand. People are less likely to offer you drinks if they think you are still working on one. 
• If someone is hung up on you not drinking, tell them it is none of their business. Friends don’t pressure friends into doing things they don’t want to do (and if they are pressuring you, that usually is a sign that they have a problem, not the other way around).
• You are not the default designated driver or trip sitter if you choose to abstain from drugs and alcohol. It is okay to say “no”. 
• There are lots of events on and off campus that are substance-free! If you are looking for ideas, check out The COVE. The COVE is UCSC’s collegiate recovery program.
• Check out Sober Slugs or other recovery groups for young folks. Sober Slugs meets in the Merrill Lounge on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
• Check out our sober housing options at UCSC. Live with likeminded people who want a substance-free lifestyle.