Resources
Want more information? We got you! There are lots of great resources on campus, off campus, and online. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great place to start. Still have questions? Come visit us at SHOP!
Resources at UCSC and in Santa Cruz
SHOP
If you or a friend are having trouble with drugs or alcohol, want to process a bad trip, use more safely, or just have questions, we’re here for you! Please contact SHOP to set up an appointment or just shoot us a question.
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.
Sober Slugs
This is a 12 Step group primarily composed of students and alumni from UCSC. Even if you aren’t in recovery yet, you can check out this group and meet some awesome people. This group is not affiliated with the university, but meets on campus.
SHS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS can assist students with assessment for substance use disorders, therapy and treatment, and off campus referrals, processing grief from the death of a loved one due to overdose, and more. Students who are receiving medication assisted treatment (MAT) prior to admission are also eligible to continue those services through SHS.
Learn more about SHS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
General Resources
DanceSafe
A harm reduction website for recreational drug users. Includes comprehensive information about a variety of drugs, safety tips, and health information.
EROWID
A website with non-judgemental information about a variety of psychoactive substances and their impacts. While the website is no longer updated, it still has a wealth of useful information.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The branch of the National Institutes of Health that advances science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and works to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.
NEXTDistro
Offers harm reduction services by mail for anyone using substances that does not feel comfortable in accessing or cannot access brick and mortar services.
Smoking and Vaping Cessation Support
Thinking about quitting? Support is available to help you make a plan and stick with it.
- Start with SHOP: Get personalized strategies, quit planning help, and info on what to expect.
- Ready to quit? Contact the Student Health Center (if you have UC SHIP) or your primary care provider for a health assessment, nicotine replacement options, and ongoing support.
- More Resources:
- Kick It California: Free quit plans, live coaching, and text support.
- CYAN (California Youth Advocacy Network): Education and tools to support a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Start Your Recovery: A website featuring videos of people with substance use issues or loved ones with such issues telling their stories. Also offers information on signs, symptoms, and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction and a searchable database of local treatment resources.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): The agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health. Provides resources (including crisis information) and information on substance use and other related concerns.