Local Support Groups
Bloomington-Normal is a community that is rich in recovery resources; there is a very strong recovering community present. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group for individuals who think they have a problem with alcohol and have a desire to stop drinking. Al-Anon is a self-help group for individuals who have a friend, family member, or loved one who has an addiction.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery focuses on any form of addiction and uses cognitive-behavioral tools that focus on our motivations, thoughts, and behaviors to elicit growth.
Mondays, 2:00–3:00p.m., beginning Monday, August 22, Student Services Building room 314. This is a closed meeting for those seeking support for themselves. Note: this group will not meet on days in which classes are not in session.
Meetings Within a Mile of Campus (Updated 6/30/22)**
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tuesdays, Welcome Home Group, 6 p.m., currently meeting on Zoom (please click on the Alcoholics Anonymous link below for Zoom information). Note that many local meetings remain virtual.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based support group that deals with substance concerns, sexual addiction, codependency, unhealthy relationships, food issues, anger/resentment, self-injury, gambling, mental health concerns, and more.
Tuesdays, 7–9:30 p.m. (meal at 6 p.m. twice per month), First Assembly Church of God, 800 E. Vernon Avenue, Normal (large and small group meetings). View the Celebrate Recovery schedule.
Overeaters Anonymous
Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m., Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S. Cottage Avenue, Fellowship Area, Normal
Other Local Meetings
An abundance of other meetings exist in the local community, especially if a student has access to transportation options; most are within two to three miles of campus. To view more local options, please visit:
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous
Celebrate Recovery
Al-Anon: (309) 827-7426
Multiple Pathways of Recovery
William White published a multiple pathways of recovery guide that documents the diverse ways in which people enter and remain in recovery. Many options exist, including a variety of self-help options (i.e. 12-Step, Recovery Dharma, Refuge Recovery, Women for Sobriety, LifeRing, Phoenix Multisport, Wellbriety, White Bison, Moderation Management). While some of these options are not yet present in our community, there are many virtual meetings, as well as meetings at other universities and colleges (email RecoveryForRedbirds@IllinoisState.edu to get connected with collegiate meetings, as they are not publically listed).
The guide also gives information about Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) and other professional treatment resources.