Peer Support Offerings
We aren't hosting SMART Recovery meetings during the summer term. However, you can reach out to peerrecovery@pdx.edu to connect with our Peer Support Specialist to learn more about recovery resources.
- Fall Term 2023 Meeting Schedule:
- SMART Recovery Meetings: Wednesdays 1-2 PM & 3-4 PM, Thursdays 12-1 PM, and Fridays 11-12 PM
- Sober Social Hour: Fridays 1-2 PM
- Location: 3rd floor of University Center Building (UCB) 340 E - Use the entrance on 6th and Harrison with your PSU student ID
- One-on-one meetings with a student Peer Recovery Specialist by appointment, please email peerrecovery@pdx.edu.
- Peer-led recovery groups (details below)
- Currently offering SMART Recovery Meetings and Sober Social Hour events
- All meetings are confidential and non-punitive.
- Connect with us at peerrecovery@pdx.edu for the current schedule
- Peer Harm Reduction Support now offering Harm Reduction 101 and Safer Substance Use workshops. The Peer Harm Reduction Specialist is also available to meet 1 on 1 with students to discuss safer substance use strategies and to connect students with on and off-campus resources. Connect with us at harmreduction@pdx.edu
What is Peer Recovery Support?
In peer recovery support, students in recovery or interested in recovery connect with a peer with shared lived experience. Peer support workers operate outside of both punitive and clinical systems to support and advocate for students in recovery. We are mindful of the power imbalances that are inherent in all services, including peer support services, and strive to redress these imbalances by honoring students’ agency in their own recovery. We also recognize the impact of societal stigmatization of individuals in recovery, which may be compounded by individuals’ intersecting identities. Peer support workers maintain awareness of positionality while attempting to reduce stigma and break down barriers to recovery. In addition to one-on-one support, we are available to establish peer-to-peer support groups. We welcome students’ ideas for building a recovery community on campus.
The Peer Recovery Specialist can be reached at peerrecovery@pdx.edu.
What is Recovery?
Recovery is “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Even individuals with severe and chronic SUDs can, with help, overcome their disorder and regain health and social function. This is called remission. When those positive changes and values become part of a voluntarily adopted lifestyle, that is called “being in recovery” (SAMHSA, TIP 35, p.2). While recovery has historically been defined by abstinence, the harm reduction model presents an equally valid pathway to recovery.
According to the 2018-2020 National College Health Assessment, 5.9% of PSU students report being in recovery from alcohol or other drug use.
Current Offerings
Smart Recovery Meeting
SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training. SMART Recovery uses evidence-based tools and strategies to develop self-empowerment and skills in the individual seeking tools for lasting change. SMART Recovery is based on a 4 Point Program: 1) Building and Maintaining Motivation 2) Coping with Urges 3) Manage Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors 4) Living a Balanced Life
Meeting Structure
Meetings begin at the hour with a welcome statement, check-ins, creating an agenda with time for group discussion, and ending with check-outs.
Sober Social Hour
Peer Recovery Support will be hosting a Sober Social Hour for members of the PSU community. Grab a coffee, talk recovery, or just enjoy creating new sober friendships. While this is not a formal recovery support meeting, a Peer Recovery Specialist is available to share resources and support.
Community Standards
- What happens in this space, stays in this space. Confidentiality cultivates safety. Safety fosters freedom. We’re all here to be safe and free together.
- All are welcome to drop-in at any time throughout the hour, though encouraged to arrive at the start time to set the container of the meeting and participate in the kick-off mindfulness moment.
- Please be respectful of all participants just as you would in any other meeting or recovery space – we are all in this together.
- Real names do not have to be used and are not required.
- For Zoom meetings, please mute yourself when not speaking. There is one mic; we speak one at a time.
- Respectful of differing experiences.
- Anti-blackness, transphobia, racism, homophobia etc. will not be tolerated. If these values do not align with your work this is not the appropriate group or platform.