Badger Recovery
Badger Recovery is a UW–Madison supported recovery and support program that provides services, support, and community to students in recovery from alcohol, substance abuse, and other addictions.
At many universities, particularly at a “party school” such as UW–Madison, many students socialize and find friends through and around the use of alcohol. This drinking culture can alienate many students in recovery or non-drinkers. Badger Recovery exists to not only provide support for those recovering, but to also provide a sober community to those who no longer wish or have never engaged in substance abuse.
Services in Badger Recovery include peer-peer group meetings, 1:1 recovery coaching, and social and educational events. Badger Recovery also offers students connection to academic and community resources, sober events on and off campus, and activities to promote overall health and recovery.
Badger Recovery has no cost to all students and provides weekly recovery-oriented meetings facilitated by students that encourage and provide structure for wellness and growth. In the future, the program hopes to offer leadership and civic engagement opportunities, service opportunities through recovery-oriented support groups, and participation with the Association of Recovery in Higher Education’s regional and national events.
Students interested in Badger Recovery do not personally have to be struggling with an addiction. To challenge the existing drinking culture and stigmas associated with recovery and abstaining from substance use on campus, it will also require allies to participate and support the program.