
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:
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.
- 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.

Campus Resources

The Cove
The Cove is a safe space to be in community with other students that are committed to their recovery from alcohol and/or other drugs, are the loved one of someone with an addiction, are someone who wants to support those in recovery, are interested in recovery or just want to meet other students who are substance-free and looking for community. The Cove might be of interest to you if you are seeking:
- Involvement in fun, sober events (on and off-campus)
- Connections to resources for wellness and support
- Recovery support and accountability
- Opportunities to be of service or to debunk stereotypes and myths about addiction and recovery
The Cove has weekly workshops, recovery meetings and drop in hours (when campus is having in-person classes) for students seeking support from their peers.

The Cowell Student Health Center
The Cowell Student Health Center can provide services or referrals for students who need substance use treatment, including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Accommodations can be made on a case by case basis to support students in taking leave to work on recovery and in integrating them back into the campus community. Contact the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for an assessment.