About

diverse youth sharing pizza outside on a sunny day

Wildcats for Recovery is a UNH campus initiative to support students with substance use and other addictions. We envision a future in which all UNH students have access to information, services, and support to help them make healthy choices about their use of drugs, alcohol, and overall wellbeing. 

We are a community founded on student empowerment, and we encourage students to make choices that feel right to them

We use a human-first approach, built on the understanding that abstinence may not be the goal for everyone, and prioritize meeting people where they are and minimizing the harmful effects of substance use.

We offer:

  • Weekly peer recovery meetups 
  • 1:1 peer support
  • Assistance connecting to campus or community supports, e.g., tutoring, counseling, social groups, food/ housing resources
  • Substance-free social events
  • Educational programming
  • Family/ caregiver supports
speech bubble with blue text reading Recovery Spoken Here and the UNH logo

A Word on language

Whether we know it or not, our words carry weight and meaning. When used inappropriately, language can have a destructive impact on societal issues. We recommend using what's called person-first language to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or stigma about substance use challenges and mental health.

Instead of this, ... try this.

  • Disabled person…  Person with a disability. 
  • Addict…  Person with a substance use disorder. 
  • Drug abuse…  Substance use. 
  • Relapse…  Recurrence. 
  • Clean/ Dirty…  Is/ Isn't currently using substances. 
  • Alcoholic…  Person with alcohol dependence. 
  • Former addict…  Person in recovery. 
  • Crazy/insane/psycho ... Person living with/experiencing a mental health challenge.

Staff

UNH Supportive Recovery Campus Community Advisory Council

Wildcats for Recovery established the advisory council in the spring of 2021. UNH SRCC is a collaboration of faculty, staff, and students with the mission to:

  • Advise on campus needs, opportunities for outreach & collaboration to advance the Wildcats for Recovery mission. 
  • Advocate for recovery-friendly practices, policies & supports. 
  • Share information, expertise& resources to promote the mission 
  • Help inform key decisions, shape strategy, and provide feedback on goals and strategies

UNH SRCC Partners

  • Institute on Disability
  • Health and Wellness
  • Student Life
  • Engelhardt Hall, Substance-Free Housing
  • Department of Social Work
  • Beauregard Center
  • Psychological and Counseling Services
  • Students