What is Lancers Recover?
Lancers Recover uses a peer-to-peer mentorship model to create an intentional and recovery-affirming environment where students who are interested in or seeking recovery from problematic alcohol and substance use can receive the assistance and support they need to achieve academic and personal success. We provide weekly recovery meetings in which we support all pathways to recovery and do not require abstinence, but merely a desire to explore personal substance use to reduce harm caused by substances. We also hold social events, community outreach, leadership opportunities, and education on campus to normalize the recovery identity and decrease stigma related to substance use.
What is Recovery?
Recovery (from alcohol, drugs, and/or behavioural addictions) can mean anything you want it to, and is unique to each person. Recovery is a journey. It is not a single event, but a process with ups and downs which occurs over time, with ongoing work. Recovery is a dynamic process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery is built upon a foundation of hope - the belief that the challenges and conditions of addiction can be overcome. (SAMHSA, 2012)
What is Collegiate / Student Recovery?
Collegiate recovery programs began in the U.S. in the 1980s as a form of recovery support for post-secondary students with substance use issues. Collegiate recovery programs. According to the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, "A Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is a college or university-provided program that includes a supportive environment within the campus culture. CRPs reinforce the decision to engage in a lifestyle of recovery from addiction/substance use disorder. It is designed to provide an educational opportunity alongside recovery supports to ensure that students do not have to sacrifice one for the other." Over the past 40 years, collegiate recovery programs have grown in the U.S. and expanded to both Canada and the United Kingdom. In Canada, the term "Student Recovery Program" is used to describe these support services. For more information about collegiate / student recovery, visit the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE)'s website. Lancers Recover is a proud member of ARHE.
Meeting and Event Information
Weekly Meeting Check-Ins
Join us for a weekly peer-to-peer recovery discussion and check-in. This meeting is open to students who identify as in recovery, are struggling with substance use or behaviour addictions, are interested in reducing the harms they're experiencing from substances or addictions, or are sober-curious. This is a judgement-free, safe space where students can explore a pathway of recovery that works for them. Please email lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
Weekly All-Recovery Meetings Fall 2025 Info (Hybrid Format)
We offer an All-Recovery peer-support meeting every Thursday from 11am-12pm starting Sept. 11, 2025.
Join us if you’re sober-curious, are looking to reduce your substance use or unhealthy behaviour patterns, or you identify as a person in recovery. Each meeting will reflect on a self-care reading and allow for sharing one's views in a safe space. Please email lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
DROP IN to our FREE group all-recovery, peer-support meetups:
In-person: Chrysler Hall North Room G129 or
Teams Meeting ID: 242 425 170 853 4 Passcode: LV3Zi3nf or click this link https://bit.ly/
Thursday Check-Ins:
Join us for a weekly peer-to-peer recovery discussion and check-in. This is a judgement-free, safe space where students can explore a pathway of recovery that works for them. Please email lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
11am - 12pm | All-Recovery Meeting (hybrid): This space is for folks in any recovery pathway, are sober-curious, or are struggling with substance use or behavioural addiction patterns.
In-Person CHN G129 or
Teams Meeting ID: 242 425 170 853 4 Passcode: LV3Zi3nf or click this link https://bit.ly/
2pm-3pm | Reflections Meet-ups (hybrid): Allies Welcome! Join us for a drop-in peer-support style meet-up to discuss a weekly reflection topic that helps reduce stress and improve academic success! Open to all students.
In-Person CHN G129 or
Teams Meeting ID: 242 425 170 853 4 Passcode: LV3Zi3nf or click this link https://bit.ly/
Peer Support Coffee Chats
Drop by CHN G129 for a coffee or tea and chat about your week with our peer support volunteers!
Mondays 11am - 2pm | Angelina
Tuesdays 2:30pm - 5pm | Melak
Thursdays 12pm - 3pm | Jay
Fridays 11am - 2pm | Jude
Coordinator Office Hours
Please drop in to chat at Chrysler Hall North G128 during the following Winter 2025 office hours: Thursdays 12-3pm. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment by emailing Jay Parete at parete@uwindsor.ca.
Trainings / Workshops
Lancers Recover currently offers Recovery Ally Training to the University of Windsor community. Recovery Ally Training is designed to increase understanding of addiction, decrease stigma and bias associated with it, and to provide specific tools and language for effective allyship. During this session, facilitated by Lancers Recover staff, participants will use a recovery-informed lens to understand their role as allies and gain knowledge of available resources to support students who use substances or are in recovery from substance use.
To request Recovery Ally Training for your class, club, group, or society, please email lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca!
Events
Breathwork Paint Party - Thu. Nov. 13
Join us for a creative session that combines breathwork techniques alongside exploring what the breath would look on paper. We have all the supplies and snacks; we just ask that you register at lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca. Session starts at 12:30pm until 2pm (but stop by even if you'll be late).
Contact Us
Email lancersrecover@uwindsor.ca to join our email list or get involved.
Follow us on Instagram: @LancersRecover
Follow us on Facebook: @LancersRecoverProgram
Donate
We are currently funded for one part-time staff through the Division of Student Affairs. Additional funding has been provided by Ignite for student workers, and the Student Mental Health Strategy Fund. Operating expenses are covered by the generous donations of individuals and organizations who support the work that we are doing. If you are able to donate, we offer our sincere gratitude, as funding is critical for the continuation of substance use support for students!
Make a donation to the Lancers Recover Program by utilizing the University of Windsor's Donation form. Clicking this link should pre-populate with the program title but if not, please enter "Lancers Recover Program, Account #40957"
Tax receipts will be given for donations over $20. Reg. #10816 2611 RR0001.
Share About the Program
Download the PDF attachments to share about the Lancers Recover Program!