asane

A sober tailgate for people in recovery

Online Niel November 10, 2024

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – LSU tailgates involve a lot of energy and alcohol, but for some people that can be the difference between having a typical game day experience or just staying home.

“I don’t think I could tailgate if we didn’t have a tailgate here, I wouldn’t have any interest in doing it either, that would be kind of the point for me, I know it’s not. it will end well,” said Michael Guillet, president of the Collegiate Recovery Program.

LSU tailgates involve a lot of energy and alcohol, but for some people it can be… — LSU tailgates involve a lot of energy and alcohol, but for some people that can be the difference between having a typical game day experience or just staying home.(WAFB)

Guillet has been sober since February 2023, he said the typical LSU experience can play a role in developing a substance abuse problem.

“There were a lot of reasons to come here, but it’s well known for being a big party school,” added Guillet.

LSU is now helping him and others stay sober with a sober tailgate hosted by the Collegiate Recovery Program.

“We didn’t want anyone to be left out on matchday so when I got the job I had nine years to recover so it wasn’t a trigger for me but we wanted a place where someone, if it’s two months under their belt, they can come and be safe,” said Adam Singer, Program Manager.

Hayonul is in partnership with other recovery centers in the area. Greg Dicharry of Grove Recovery Center in Sorrento was there enjoying the fun.

“This is a great way to invite people to tailgate and do all the things you would do when you come to a game without drinking or using drugs and alcohol,” Dicharry said.

Other students I’ve talked to say it’s great to have student experiences without the risk of jeopardizing what they’ve worked so hard for.

“Before, I would try to stay sober as long as I could, but eventually I would end up drinking something. But now that this is available to me, I can just say hi to my fraternity friends and then come back here and have a safe space where I don’t feel tempted,” said Connor McPherson, program president.

They host these gates at every home game, they are in front of Coates Hall for anyone who wants to attend.