Recovery can often be an overwhelming word, as many correlate being in recovery to being sober. However, sobriety is a state of being, while recovery is a process. There is no “right way” to be in recovery; it has no guidelines or restrictions. Instead, it simply focuses on improving one’s relationship with substance(s). Syracuse University is proud to offer a variety of recovery support options on campus.
Sober Cuse
Sober Cuse is a natural mix of student-facilitated conversation and substance-free social events. The weekly meetings every Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. give students the opportunity to reflect on their own recovery journey and share their experiences with peers who face similar pressures to engage in substance use. Sober Cuse also links students to substance-free social events, which range from movie nights to ice skating at the Tennity Pavilion.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, holds frequent group meetings facilitated by a community member in recovery. The organization incorporates a 12-step model formatted to assist those seeking to improve their relationship with substances. AA meetings are held every Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. in the Small Chapel at Hendrick’s.
Group Counseling
The Barnes Alcohol and Drug Intervention Team offers two group counseling options, which can be helpful depending on one’s goals. Options Prevention Group, led by a licensed counselor, centers on providing a supportive space in which students can discuss their substance use and identify and pursue their goals related to substances. This group meets every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for five weeks during the semester.
In addition to Options Prevention, Counseling also offers the Seeking Sobriety Group. While this group is also led by a licensed counselor, it welcomes students who are currently practicing abstinence from at least one substance who would like support managing a sober lifestyle on campus. This group meets every Friday from 1-2:30 p.m. for 12 weeks during the semester.
If you or a friend are interested in attending group counseling, please contact Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling at 315.443.8000. For more information and sign-up options for Sober Cuse, AA and other health and wellness events, please visit the University Events Calendar. For additional information about substance use and recovery, please visit the Barnes Center website or contact Barnes Center Health Promotion at 315.443.8000 or healthpromotion@syr.edu.
Written By Nandini Sundaresan ’26, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Barnes Center at The Arch Peer Educator