Wildcats in Recovery
Wildcats in Recovery is Northwestern’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), supporting students in recovery from substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and eating disorders. We embrace all paths to recovery, offering a welcoming and judgment-free space to support students on their personal recovery journey.
Wildcats in Recovery brings students together in community and provides them with the necessary resources to excel at Northwestern in both their academics and in their recovery journey. It is a community that is supportive of navigating both the recovery journey and the college experience simultaneously – helping students thrive and find belonging on campus.
Disclaimer
Wildcats in Recovery is not a clinical treatment service or a 12-step program and does not include counseling services. Instead, it is an added support to one’s personal recovery. If you are seeking treatment or counseling, we are glad to provide information about helpful resources.
Who is Wildcats in Recovery for?
Wildcats in Recovery is open to any students who:
- Are in recovery from an addiction or eating disorder
- Are curious about starting the process of recovery
- Have friends or family members who struggle with or are in long-term recovery from substance use disorders and/or other addictions
- Are allies of people in recovery
- Are looking for a substance-free space to find community and connection
Our community is open to all undergraduate, graduate, professional, and postdoc students!
Our Services:
Peer Support Meetings
Social and Educational Events
Recovery Ally Trainings
Connections and referrals to local and campus resources.
Our Goal:
Our goal is to build a strong and supportive community for students in recovery by:
- Normalizing/destigmatizing students in recovery on campus.
- Debunking stereotypes and myths about addiction and recovery.
- Providing resources and information to students, allies, families, staff, and faculty.
- Fostering accountability and support from peers.
- Providing sober social activities on and off campus.
- Providing education to students and student groups around fostering social activities that are inclusive for all students.
- Creating and providing a dedicated space with professional and student staff who show care.
Get Involved
If you are interested in being a part of Wildcats in Recovery, please fill out this interest form and we will add you to our communications list!
Alternatively, you can:
- Attend our Peer Support Meetings
- Book an initial 1:1 meeting with our staff to learn more
Contact Us
Want to learn more about our services? Looking to book a 1:1 meeting with staff? Email us at csaw@northwestern.edu to get connected!
FAQ
How do I know if I’m considered to be in recovery?
We believe that recovery is self-defined. A person is in recovery if they say they are.
Is Wildcats in Recovery only for folks in substance use recovery?
This community is in or open to recovery from not only substance use disorders, but also behavioral addictions and disordered eating
Is there a sobriety/abstinence requirement to participate in Wildcats in Recovery?
While some other collegiate recovery community may have requirements for how long a person needs to be in recovery before joining, Wildcats in Recovery does not have a sobriety/abstinence requirement.
We only ask that anyone attending an event or peer support meeting refrain from showing up under the influence to respect the recovery journey of fellow community members.
Is Wildcats in Recovery the same as AA/NA?
Wildcats in Recovery is a community welcome to all recovery paths. This includes 12-step programs like AA and NA, but also SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, or even those who have started their recovery journey on their own.
Does Wildcats in Recovery offer sober/recovery housing?
At this time, we do not offer sober/recovery housing.