Student Recovery & Addiction Resources

Student Recovery & Addiction Resources

Welcome to the University of Guelph's addiction and recovery resources page. Here, you will find information on the support and services available to students, staff, and faculty who are struggling with addiction or seeking recovery. We understand that addiction can affect anyone and that seeking help can be difficult. That's why we offer a range of resources, both on campus and in the community, to support those in need. Whether you are looking for information on substance abuse treatment, mental health support, or support groups, you will find it here.

We encourage you to explore the resources on this page and to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. Together, we can support one another on the road to recovery.

Student Recovery Community (SRC)

The Student Recovery Community is a peer support program for UofG students in recovery or curious to explore their relationship with substances. It is a safe space on campus established by and for students with lived experience of addiction and recovery.

The SRC provides opportunities for students to support one another on their chosen recovery pathway. The SRC supports all pathways of recovery – from harm reduction to abstinence, we support everyone no matter what their journey looks like. Peer support meetings are open to all UofG students who struggle with addiction or are curious to explore their relationship with substances or addictive behaviours. Abstinence is not a requirement for participation.

If you're interested in joining the SRC or learning more about the group, send us an email at student.recovery@uoguelph.ca letting us know you're interested and we’ll send you the meeting location or online meeting link.

Fall 2025: The SRC will be offered in person. Meetings are on Thursdays from 11:30am-12:30pm. If you are interested in attending, please just send us an email at student.recovery@uoguelph.ca. Snacks and drinks are available at these meetings.

“As far as what the SRC has given me... it’s allowed me to connect with like-minded people so I don’t feel as alone.” – SRC participant

Addiction Support Resources: 

Campus Resources (all free for UofG students): 

Community Resources:

  • RAAM (Rapid Access Addictions Medicine- Sponsored by Stonehenge). A specialized clinic for those who are experiencing health issues related to substance use. RAAM clinics are held on a drop-in basis and staffed by health care providers who offer assistance to everyone regardless of age or substance used. RAAM is open to people of all ages who are using any substance and there is no cost to participate. RAAM clinics are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am-1:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm at the Guelph Community Health Centre or you can access the virtual visit portal.
  • Homewood Health Community Addictions Services (CADS). CADS provides outpatient addiction counselling for individuals who are concerned with substance abuse/misuse/addiction issues. Services are free and confidential and include both individual therapy and group sessions. Email cadsinfo@homewoodhealth.com for more information.
  • CMHA Addictions Peer Support Groups: Does not require any intake or registration and there is no waiting to join! See their calendars for a detailed schedule of events.
  • Stay Sharp. Stay Sharp is dedicated to reducing the transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV and HCV, and minimizing risks associated with substance use. They provide supplies for safer drug use, needle exchange services, safe sharps disposal, and more. Stay Sharp is available from 9:00am-4:00pm seven days a week.
  • Drug checking. Drug checking helps people make informed choices about the substances they’re using. You can use the Scatr machine at the Guelph Community Health Centre at 176 Wyndham St. 
    You can also use testing kits to check for substances such as Benzodiazepines, Xylazine, and Fentanyl. Test kits can be accessed through the Sanguen Community Van, which operates out of the Guelph Community Health Centre and makes stops at Royal City Mission on Thursdays from 5:00-7:00pm. You can also pick up test strips and harm reduction supplies at Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (160 Chancellors Way) in the cupboard just inside the front doors from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
  • Stonehenge: Offer multiple programs such as RAAM, but also safer supply programs out in rural wellington, peer-to-peer counselling and overdose response, and an opioid substitute program.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous Guelph: 519-836-1522
  • Distress Centre: 519-821-3760
  • Youth Line: 519-821-5469
  • ConnexOntario: Addiction, mental health and problem gambling treatment services
  • Ontario Addiction & Treatment Centre: 905-773-3884
  • Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454

National Resources:

  • NORS (National Overdose Response Service): NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians providing loving, confidential, nonjudgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs. Call NORS before you use drugs to connect with people who want to help you stay safe. 1-888-688-NORS(6677) 
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CMHA) (Waterloo-Wellington): 519-884-9757
  • Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment (DART): 1-800-565-8603
  • Check Your Drinking: For more information on alcohol use, including average calories consumed and money spent annually. 
  • Know The Score - For more information about almost any drug and its effects, visit a great site based out of Scotland, although the legal information won’t be applicable.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous- For a list of AA meeting groups in Ontario, including their Guelph group 
  • APAP™ Peer Support All People, All Pathways™ are facilitated peer group meetings for individuals questioning their relationship with substances. In these groups you will find a safe environment to ask questions, free from stigma or discrimination. Individuals seeking help or wanting to help others are welcome.

Information Kits:

Infokits are prepared by the Student Wellness Education and Promotion Centre at the University of Guelph and provide helpful resources and more information on each topic.