Who We Are Gauchos for Recovery is a peer-driven UCSB program that aims to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for students in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. We support students engaging in any recovery pathway they choose. Additionally, we support students who have been directly or indirectly affected by the substance use of friends or loved ones, and we work to create a recovery-affirming campus community.
What Recovery Means
GFR does not define what recovery means - each individual can determine what it means for themselves. We support students in all stages of recovery and all recovery pathways. Many GFR members do practice abstinence-based recovery, but it is not a requirement. A person is in recovery if they say they are.
Mission Statement
The mission of Gauchos for Recovery is to provide a safe, supportive environment for students in all types and stages of recovery so that they can continue to grow as people in recovery, have a fulfilling college experience, and successfully pursue their academic, professional, and personal goals.
Our Mission is supported by 6 Main Elements
A Community of Supportive Peers
Recovery-specific social support is one of the essential ingredients to success as a college student in recovery. Our GFR community is made up of students from all walks of life, who are connected by the journey of recovery. Our recovery peer interns are trained to provide one-on-one mentoring support to those students who may be struggling or who are just starting out on their recovery path.
Recovery Oriented Meetings and Events
Community support meetings of many types are available throughout the week. We also hold regular "unity nights," outings, off-campus retreats, educational events, and self-care opportunities.
Leadership and Service Opportunities
The day-to-day activities of our program are facilitated by our Recovery Peer Interns, who are students in recovery themselves holding paid positions within GFR. All GFR participants are encouraged to take an active role in shaping the community. GFR provides many opportunities for service on campus and in the community.
A Recovery-Friendly Space
The Recovery Lounge at Embarcadero Hall is a safe space for students to relax, study, meet with sponsors/mentors, or just be together. GFR leaders have 24 hour access to the lounge. Snacks and coffee are always available!
Community Harm Reduction Services
The Overdose Prevention arm of our services is tasked with increasing safety at UCSB and in Isla Vista, as well as advocating for the safety and rights of those who use drugs. We coordinate the campus Overdose Prevention and Response Program, providing free Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips, and providing individual and group training on overdose prevention and response.
Professional Support
Confidential clinical counseling is available at no cost to UCSB students through the Addictive Behaviors & Recovery counselors at CAPS. All of our ADP counselors are licensed mental health clinicians who specialize in alcohol and drugs. Our CRP staff provides non-clinical support and advising for any interested students.
Our Vision - Culture Change through Advocacy
Our vision at GFR is to continue to change the culture of our campus community to be one that is recovery-informed and recovery-affirming, so that all students in recovery and seeking recovery can thrive.
We aim to reduce stigma and remove barriers to seeking help, and also to represent recovery not as a consequence, but as a desirable way of life. We do this through presentations, class visits, panels, awareness events, and by just being visible as people thriving in recovery.
Our Values
- Inclusion
- Connection
- Empowerment
- Continuous Learning and Growth
Diversity Statement
In Gauchos for Recovery, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community that values and celebrates the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives of all our members as they pursue their journey towards recovery and academic success.
Diversity Policy
We will not tolerate discrimination against or harassment of any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, carceral status, or justice system involvement.