Happy National Recovery Month, Illinois State!
Recovery for Redbirds celebrates recovery not just this month, but every day. Why? Because recovery is possible, and it changes people’s lives in astonishing ways, not just those who are struggling with addiction, but those surrounding them as well.
How exactly has recovery changed the lives of Illinois State students? Recovery changes everything about life, but here are a few examples from fellow Redbirds:
- Before recovery I was selfish, resentful, and entitled. Recovery helped me to escape from a self-centered worldview and that, in turn, drastically improved my relationship with my friends, my family, and my spouse. I have weathered many storms in my personal and professional life since becoming sober and have done so with both more empathy and utility than I would have been able to muster previously.
- In active addiction, my options were limited to homelessness, prison, or death. Recovery has given me dreams and the ability to achieve them.
- I’ve developed closer relationships with my family members, and I count on them for their support. They can count on me now too, and that trust is powerful.
Celebrate recovery with Recovery for Redbirds this month! How?
- For students who are in recovery or are concerned about their use of substances or engagement in a compulsive behavior, consider seeking support from Recovery for Redbirds. Recovery for Redbirds is a peer-driven group, offering sober socialization, a weekly meal, and support-based opportunities to help college students in Bloomington-Normal navigate substance use and other compulsive behavioral challenges. For more information, check out the group’s page on Redbird Life or email RecoveryForRedbirds@IllinoisState.edu.
- If you are a student in recovery, sign up for a recovery celebration package that can either be delivered to you locally or picked up from Student Services Building on Tuesday, September 21. Only two staff members of the University will gather and respond to these requests; information will not be used in any other way and will be permanently deleted once the request is fulfilled.
- Sign up for recovery ally training and share the opportunity with at least one other person. The dates of the Zoom training are 1–3 p.m. Thursday, October 21; 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday, November 15; and 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday, December 10. Training for units/departments is also available. Email jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu to sign up or request a training.
- Talk about Recovery for Redbirds and other resources for students in recovery (or students concerned about their use of substances or engagement in a compulsive behavior) with at least one other person today.
- If you know a student or faculty/staff member who is in recovery, send them a note of support and encouragement.
- Request to be added to the bimonthly Recovery for Redbirds newsletter that provides information on the group’s opportunities and events.
- For faculty, offer 5–10 minutes of class time to have someone talk about Recovery for Redbirds (email requests to RecoveryforRedbirds@IllinoisState.edu).
Now you have some ideas, let’s celebrate recovery!
