CMU Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) & Harm Reduction
Whether you are in recovery from substance use, considering recovery, taking a break, or seeking resources for safer use, the CMU Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) can provide you with affirming supports that help promote a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life on campus.
For more information about support meetings, social events, projects or related programs, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter below. You may also email recovery@andrew.cmu.edu or leave an anonymous suggestion in our Substance Use Supports Suggestion Box.
Free NARCAN
NARCAN nasal spray is available at UHS. NARCAN is a brand of naloxone - a medication that reversals overdoses caused by opioids. How to request a NARCAN kit from UHS:
- Log into HealthConnect
- Go to “Messages”
- Select “New Message”
- Select “Narcan Request”
Information about how to use NARCAN is available via the Instructions for Use pdf on the NARCAN website and via the video below.
Recovery Ally Trainings
Grow your understanding of substance use disorder. Learn about local resources, and best practices for supporting folks and combating stigma.
Next training TBD.
To request a Recovery Ally Training for a specific department, group, organization, please email recovery@andrew.cmu.edu.
Connection with Pittsburgh young people and LGBTQIA+ friendly 12-step meetings
This Young People and LGBTQIA+ Friendly 12-Step Meetings list includes information about local peer-to-peer meetings and treatment centers that center LGBTQIA+ folks.
The closest AA meetings to CMU's campus are held in the Cathedral of Learning Monday-Saturday:
QTBIPOC Supports
Access to culturally responsive mental health and substance use support is vital. Below are a few resources developed by and for Black, Indigenous, People of Color:
Substance use resources and referrals
If someone is a student and would like to talk privately with a Health Promotion staff person about their relationship with substances, they may self schedule via HealthConnect.
If someone is interested in receiving a clinical assessment for substance use, they may be connected with a local provider via the Health Promotion department, or reach out to someone from The Western PA Substance Use Resources list above. Onala Recovery Center partners with Gateway to offer free, walk-in assessments with no identifiable information needed from 9:30-3:30 every Friday.
If someone is curious about exploring their relationship with substances and is not interested in talking with a professional about their use at this time, the free, printable workbook linked below may be helpful:
Support for people with loved ones who use substances
Supporting People Who Use Substances: A breif guide for friends and family
Frick Park Al-Anon Family Group | Tuesdays 7:30pm | Waverly Presbyterian Church (590 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221)
Al-Anon Family Group at Greenfield | Thursdays 7:30pm | St Rosalia's Church Basement (411 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207)
Southside Saturday Morning A-Anon Family Group | Saturdays 10am | Hot Metal Bridge Community (2700 Jane St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203)
Mental Health Supports
Substance use disorder is a mental health condition, and it also often occurs simultaneously with another mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorder, etc.
On campus mental health supports:
- CMU Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS)
- TimelyCare at CMU
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Health Promotion Appointments:Stress, Sleep, Substance Use, Gender Affirming Care Navigation, Sexual Health. Schedule your appointment through HealthConnect or call UHS at 412-268-2157 and select option 2.
Sober/substance-free roommate matching
This Sober/Substance-Free Roommate Matching form serves as a roommate matching tool for students who attend Pittsburgh colleges/universities and are looking for roommates who are in recovery or are abstaining from substance use.
Accommodations for people with substance use disorder
Did you know that substance use disorder is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? The Office of Disability Resources can provide students with responsive, reasonable accommodations. Faculty and staff are able to access Disability Services through Human Resources.
Crisis Hotlines:
List originated in National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
- Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
Hotline for trans people staffed by trans people - BlackLine
1 (800) 604-5841
24/7 Text or Call Hotline: a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. - Crisis Text Line
741741
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor - DeQH
908-367-3374
Hotline for South Asian/Desi LGBTQ individuals, family, and friends - GLBT National Help Center
1-888-843-4564
Hotline with peer-counseling and local resources. - GLBT National Youth Talk Line
1-800-246-7743
Hotline for youth (up to age 25) with peer-counseling and local resources. - Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-866-488-7386
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24)