Sober Redbirds celebrates National Recovery Month each September and rejoices that recovery from substance use disorders is possible. Recovery leads to fulfilling and healthy lives for the people in recovery, as well as the people and communities who surround them.
In the United States alone, approximately 25 million people have achieved at least one year of recovery from addiction to substances. This includes about 50 percent of those who have ever met criteria for a substance use disorder. At Illinois State, some of those people in recovery include our staff, faculty, and students.
Sober Redbirds, a registered student organization under the Dean of Students Office, supports and celebrates recovery every month, including the month of September. Staff and students congratulate each other on things both big and small, ranging from exceptional grades, sober anniversaries, college graduation, career starts, and healthy relationships to hobbies, healthy sleep, pets, and more. It truly is the culmination of small things that add up to allow the big things to happen.
There are several ways to support recovery at Illinois State. For students, check Redbird Life to see how Sober Redbirds celebrates recovery. For faculty and staff, consider participating in a Recovery Ally Training to identify how to assist students who are in or are seeking recovery. Upcoming trainings are scheduled with Human Resources on September 1 from 10 a.m.–noon (to sign up email jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu) and the Division of Student Affairs’ Professional Development series on September 15 from 1–3 p.m. (to sign up contact Angell Howard at sdhowa1@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-0803). Training can also be requested by contacting Jamie Laurson at jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu.
