Substance Use Recovery, Treatment, and Prevention. All in one place
College is a time to explore new ideas and discover the limits of personal autonomy. Yet, in recent years the prevalence of substance abuse, depression, and anxiety is rising. Campus health professionals are working with students to reduce substance abuse, improve mental health, and foster self-confidence. At Student Health Services (SHS), we offer integrated recovery, treatment, and prevention programming for our students.
Our recovery, treatment, and prevention services are not limited to the campus community. We contribute to our community’s well-being through advocacy and service.
Recovery
Earn Your Degree While Thriving in Recovery
Young adults often feel isolated and frustrated when balancing their recovery with the expectations of a “typical” college student. We understand the stigma of being sober, especially on a college campus. The simple act of letting others know you are in recovery or interested in recovery is often very difficult.
At UCF Student Health Services, we’re happy to offer professional recovery services as an extension of our Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC). The goal of our recovery program is to help students in recovery handle the people, places, and things that may become barriers to their recovery while they are working towards a degree at UCF, and thus increase graduation success rates and reduce the risk of relapse.
Some of the services that the CRC can provide include:
- Helping students find support group meetings that meet their needs
- Providing connections to mental health professionals (Such as CAPS and Behavioral Health services at SHS) as needed
- Providing information on family/roommate support
- Connecting students to fellow peers in recovery
- Being a personal advocate and cheerleader for students’ recovery successes
Members of the CRC know they are not alone. We understand the challenges of being in recovery, and that’s why fostering a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and accountability is important for students who choose to lead a sober lifestyle. As a result, CRC students flourish in academics and in their personal lives.
Check out these Recovery Stories of past UCF Students.
Treatment
The Intersection of Mental Health and Substance Use
Our Substance Use Disorder services provide treatment options to students who are struggling with addiction. We treat both substance use disorders as well as process addictions which include (though not limited to) gambling, video games, food, sex, and pornography addictions. Your first session with us will include an assessment with one of our licensed treatment providers to establish which form of treatment will be best for you. You do not need a referral for services to be seen in our office, however, many students are referred by their medical provider, UCF Counseling and Psychological Services counselor, and other outside community resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please call 407-823-2924 to make an appointment.
Student Health Services Offers the following evidence enformed treatments to students with Co-occurring mental health disorders:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Relapse Prevention Counseling
- Mindfulness Training
Prevention
Education Through Experience
New students are provided with information that challenges the misperceived norms about alcohol and drug use, particularly in college.
Substance use and anxiety/depression screenings are offered to all students each semester. Students are given feedback regarding their risk and protective behaviors. Those who screen positive for a substance use disorder receive a next day appointment to see a behavioral health provider.
Student Health Services also provides brief intervention, personalized feedback, and referral to treatment for students mandated for a substance use assessment
Support Groups
An Array of On-Campus Support Meetings
For individual meeting locations and details, check out our CRC Calendar.
- Al-Anon – Mondays at 7 PM
- Alcoholics Anonymous – Tuesdays at 7 PM
- Narcotics Anonymous: Wednesdays at 7 PM
If you are interested in starting a meeting, please email us at crc@ucf.edu
If you are looking for a meeting off-campus or days/times not listed above, below are some options in the Orlando area:
- AA: http://cflintergroup.org
- NA: http://orlandona.org
- SAA: http://saa-recovery.org
- COSA: http://www.cosa-recovery.org
- CODA: http://www.onlinecoda.net
- Al-Anon: http://al-anonorlando.org (online meetings available)
- Smart Recovery: http://www.smartrecovery.org/ (online meetings available)
CRC in the News
UCF has been leading the charge for creating a safe place for students in recovery to focus on earning their degree. Click here to see what has been said about our programs in the media
Support Students in Recovery. Give Now.
Your gift to the Collegiate Recovery Community helps UCF students achieve their personal and academic potential.
Sober Fun for Everyone
Looking for students that don't use substances? Check out SoberKnights!
Questions about completing AlcoholEdu?
Visit this page for more information, FAQs, and contact details.
UCF Drug-Free Policy
It's important to arm yourself with the proper knowledge about the policy at UCF. Learn what things will get you into trouble, when you'd be protected from disciplinary actions, how to get help, and more. Read the policy here.