With the start of a new semester upon us, it’s a great time to share information about Recovery for Redbirds, a registered student organization that is sponsored by Student Health Services, as well as a few initiatives you can become involved in that prevent the development of substance use disorders and/or support recovery.
Recovery for Redbirds is a peer-driven group, offering sober socialization, a weekly meal, and support-based opportunities for students who are in recovery from a substance use disorder or other addiction, as well as students who are concerned about their use of substances or engagement in compulsive behavior(s).
- SMART Recovery, Mondays from 2-3 p.m. in 314 Student Services Building; SMART Recovery is a self-help meeting that is focused on abstinence from compulsive behaviors with the help of cognitive-behavioral tools. The four points of the program are to help individuals enhance and maintain motivation to change; cope with urges; manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and achieve a lifestyle balance. *This meeting only occurs when classes are in session. There will be no meeting on February 20.
- Weekly Recovery Meal, Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m.; students eat a meal together, provided through the university, followed by a recovery-oriented discussion. To join the group for a recovery meal, email RecoveryforRedbirds@IllinoisState.edu in advance for further information.
- Sober socials as planned
Recovery Ally Trainings: College students represent the largest group of individuals meeting the criteria for substance use disorders. Yet, they are the least likely to seek out traditional treatment services. Furthermore, college campuses are known as “recovery-hostile environments.” Nonetheless, recovery is possible with the aid of support, such as Recovery for Redbirds, and acts of allyship. Help build a recovery-friendly campus by learning how to provide support for students who need help, as well as those who are already in recovery. Recognize and challenge factors that block recovery. The learning outcomes for this training are as follows:
- Recognize students in need of recovery.
- Demonstrate a warm handoff (how to refer to helpers).
- Learn about our Collegiate Recovery Community, Recovery for Redbirds.
- Summarize ways to be a recovery ally on campus.
- Use recovery-friendly language.
Training (note, you may need to check back in to sign-up if the training is not yet posted on the Student Affairs website):
- Wednesday, February 8, 9-11 a.m., 130 Student Services Building. Sign-up through the Division of Student Affairs Professional Development
- Friday, March 31, 9-11 a.m., via Zoom. Sign-up through the Division of Student Affairs Professional Development
- Thursday, April 27, 12-2 p.m., via Zoom. Sign up with Human Resources
- Training is also provided by request.
A DEA Drug Takeback Event, supported by Illinois State University Police Department and Student Health Services, is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front circle drive of Thomas Metcalf School. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted for safe recycling, reducing risks to our environment, and for the misuse of medications. Second, only to cannabis, prescription drugs pose a significant risk for misuse and can easily be obtained from a friend or family member’s medicine cabinet. Inhalers and electronic vape devices will also be accepted. We will no longer accept syringes/sharps at this event or future events.
