1) Connect with a support group, formal (AA/NA) or informal (peers who are supportive of recovery). Recovery is supported by peers and allies. A common denominator in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people who contribute hope and support and suggest strategies and resources for change. Peers, as well as family members and other allies, form vital support networks for people in recovery.

The Twin Cities is one of the largest sober communities in the nation with over 100 meetings every day. The following information is not intended to promote AA or endorse any particular meetings but as a service in response to students requests for information:

• St. Paul has many young people AA meetings. You may find meetings at www.aastpaul.org or call 24 hours a day at (651) 227-5502. You may also search for various meetings by special interests (e.g., young people, GLBT, Dual Diagnosis). Another helpful option is the "I need a meeting right now" search, which will show all the meetings for the rest of the day.

• Minneapolis and suburbs meetings can be found at www.aaminneapolis.org. They can be reached by phone 24 hours a day at (952) 922-0880. Like St. Paul’s website, you may search by special interests and also by specific location within and around the Twin Cities.

• AA meetings within walking distance of the University of Minnesota. There are three AA meetings near the U of M campus:

o A New U - Open Men and Women Step, Grace University Lutheran Church, Harvard & Delaware, 324 SE Harvard, Monday 6:00 PM, and

o Drinkytown AA - Open Men and Women Topic, University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 - 13th Ave SE (West Entrance), Thursday 6:30 PM

o Armory AA Group Armory Bldg. Rm 116 A Church St SE & University Ave S.E. Wednesday 12:00 PM

• GLBT in Recovery – recovery-related resources and other information for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered persons interested in living a clean and sober life

• Narcotics Anonymous - To find information and meetings in the Twin Cities call (952) 939-3939

SOBER does not endorse or promote any particular recovery group or service, rather our goal is to provide as many resources as possible so that students and others can choose a recovery path that is most appropriate for their individual recovery.

• Women For Sobriety 651-224-0328
• "Addiction Busters Support Group" (open to men and women) at the Twin Cities Men's Center
• Here is list of resource to other Self-Help Organizations

Actively participating in groups like SOBER and other student groups that support health lifestyles can be helpful in finding peers who are supportive of your recovery.

2) Find healthy ways to have fun.
As alcoholics and addicts, our previous social activities centered on drinking and/or using drugs; now, we find new activities that are enjoyable without mood-altering chemicals. SOBER pursues a diverse range of activities in the hopes that our exploration of "fun" will foster new friendships and prove that we can have fun while being sober. We have had fun doing various activities such as bowling, Oscar Night, Twin’s games, barbeques, Poker Night, Imax Movie Night, and many more.

• Join the distribution list (SOBER@umn.edu) to get the latest information on activities.

• Win a massage or a $25 gift card! Help us to develop a list of the 50 best SOBER activities on campus or in the Twin Cities. Send us your best suggestion (e.g., Rock Climbing on the St. Paul campus) to SOBER@umn.edu by November 13, 2009 and win a chance for either a 60 minute massage at Boynton Health Service ($45.00 value) or a $25 gift card for the Book store.

3) Find healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, depression and other sources of distress.
Recovery is a process through which one gradually achieves greater balance of mind, body and spirit in relation to other aspects of one’s life, including family, work and community. Learning new skills to manage stress and emotions is a key component to successful recovery. Here is a list of on campus resources to help you manage stress:

• Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates classes for stress management are available free at Boynton Health service.

• Get a Massage! Stretch and loosen muscles, improve blood flow, and de-stress

• A variety of recreational and fitness activates and classes available through the Department of Recreational Sports

• Eat better, Feel Better. Nutrition counseling is covered by your student service fees.

• Most students (not just those in recovery) find the academic demands of the U very challenging-even students who have excellent high school grades. Student Academic Success Services (SASS) can help with

o Increased motivation to complete academic work
o Improved time management skills
o Deceased Procrastination
o Improved reading speed and comprehension
o Better note-taking skills
o Strengthened test preparation strategies
o Improved test performance and grades

• Financial Counseling. Boynton Health Service offers help with debt management plans, budget counseling, and understanding student loans. Call 1-888-577-2227 to make an appointment.

• Nicotine Dependence. Boynton Health Service can help you develop a successful quit plan, identify triggers, and techniques to help you quit. Nicotine gum or patch (at no cost to students), medications as needed, follow-up care, and relapse prevention.

Studies have shown that many alcoholics and addicts may suffer from various other psychological conditions, especially depression and/or anxiety. The good news for U of M students is that there are great resources on campus to help you.

• http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu/ is a web resource about mental health and related resources at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

• University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) offers both individual and group counseling for a range of concerns including personal concerns, academic difficulties, and career exploration.

• Mental Health Clinic at Boynton Health Service
Up to eleven counseling visits (per 12-month period) are available at Boynton’s Mental Health Clinic. Individual and couple counseling/psychotherapy.

• Individual appointments and chemical health assessment with a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• urgent consultation (phone or in person)
• a variety of group therapies
• medication assessment/management is also available

4) Pursue childhood dreams and ambitions.
Recovery involves a process of building or rebuilding what a person has lost. Retuning to something you used to be good at or that was of interest can help reconnect with positive energies and channel one’s energy into new future that is not drug centered.

• Career assessment and counseling for students who are not sure about their educational or career goals is available at UCCS. If you want to explore interests or help address issues like what major to pick, what career paths you might want to follow, what you can do with your current major, or what major and career options fit best for you and your interests then make an appointment here.

• Engage! search helps University of Minnesota undergraduates connect with meaningful experiences outside of the classroom. Use this search to discover opportunities that will help you pursue your interests and aspirations, and complement your academic experiences

5) Be a good citizen.
Service has been a cornerstone for recovery; helping others, being less self-centered, and making one’s community a better place.

• Career and Community Learning Center is dedicated to community involvement, volunteering, and service-learning for all U of M students.

• Call AA’s intergroup office for service opportunities working with other alcoholics/addicts at (651)227-5502 (St. Paul) or (952)922-0880 (Minneapolis).

• GoldPASS, the U of M's online database to help connect students and alumni with employers, volunteer organizations, and internships across the country.

• There are hundreds of student groups at the U that provide opportunities to enrich and complement your academic experience. Involvement in student activities can provide a greater sense of belonging and connection.

• "Being a good citizen" can include being involved and connected with family members.

*Material adapted from presentations by Ken Winters, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychiatry Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research at the University of Minnesota.

President, Katie Seifert, seife069@umn.edu
Fellowship Officer, Michel Boudreaux, boudr019@umn.edu
Fellowship Officer, Jared Dixon, Dixon118@umn.edu
Fellowship Officer, Michael McGarrah, walshmcgarrah@gmail.com
Fellowship Officer, Andrew Wilson, Wils1310@umn.edu
Faculty Advisor, Dana Farley dfarley@bhs.umn.edu (612) 625-5917
Faculty Advisor, Mary Roske-Groth mroskegroth@bhs.umn.edu (612) 625-5917