Substance Use Disorder: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Advocacy Conference
Held on Saturday, October 12, 2024Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Recover-Con 2024 welcomed diverse speakers, participants, and advocates to Northern Illinois University for a powerful day of connection, inspiration, and action. Hosted at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, this annual gathering brought together professionals, community members, and individuals with lived experience to address the urgent needs surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) and recovery.
Our theme this year, "We Suffer Alone, We Recover Together," reminded everyone of the profound impact community and collective support have on the journey to recovery.
Opening Remarks: A Shared Commitment to Recovery
The event began with opening remarks that set a hopeful and determined tone for the day. Speakers highlighted Recover-Con's goals: to expand awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and create pathways to lasting recovery. As attendees filled the room, the sense of unity was palpable—an undeniable reminder that recovery is, indeed, a community endeavor.
Keynote Address by Brandon Novak: Resilience and Recovery
Our keynote speaker, Brandon Novak, shared his journey from professional skateboarder and MTV star to recovery advocate. Novak's gripping account of overcoming a 20-year heroin addiction deeply resonated with attendees, reminding them that recovery is possible, no matter how dark the past may seem. Known for his appearances on Viva la Bam and the Jackass movies, and as the author of the best-selling memoir Dreamseller, Novak uses his platform to bring SUD awareness and education to youth across the nation. His latest book, The Streets of Baltimore, chronicles his journey and recovery roots. His story exemplifies how transformation can lead to purpose, and he challenged everyone to carry this message of hope to those still struggling.
Featured Sessions: Insights from Leaders in Recovery
Recover-Con’s sessions showcased a remarkable lineup of speakers who provided insights, shared personal stories, and delivered practical strategies to support recovery efforts across Northern Illinois and beyond. Here’s a look at some of our distinguished speakers and their topics:
Jimmy McGill - Author and Executive Director, National Peer Recovery AllianceMcGill’s journey from a life marked by trauma and incarceration to his role as a national leader in recovery is inspirational. His session highlighted how reentry and recovery services can create lasting, positive change.
Stefanie Robinson - Founder and CEO, Hope Recovery CommunityIn her session, “Planting the Seeds of Recovery,” Robinson introduced recovery farming as a transformative approach that connects individuals in recovery with nature and community, offering a fresh path to healing.
Dr. Stephen Holtsford, MD - Medical Director, Recovery Centers of America: Dr. Holtsford discussed emergency department management of opioid use disorders, shedding light on how timely intervention and tailored care can improve recovery outcomes in critical settings.
Laura Garcia, LPC, MAAPS, CADC —Director, Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention & Recovery Garcia delivered an empowering message on the realities of recovery and how state-wide initiatives are bridging the gap between prevention, treatment, and sustained recovery.
David Awadalla - Public Health Advisor, SAMHSA Office of Recovery Awadalla addressed the intersection of harm reduction and recovery, providing insights into how these approaches effectively reduce risk and empower individuals on their journey to wellness.
Additional Highlights from Our Speaker Lineup
Our speaker lineup also included thought-provoking sessions from recovery advocates and professionals dedicated to expanding the reach of recovery resources and destigmatizing substance use disorders.
Jessica Miller - Association for Recovery in Higher Education: Miller introduced the audience to the importance of collegiate recovery programs and their potential to support students in navigating recovery within academic environments.
Eric Gremminger - CEO, ERP Health, Inc.: Gremminger’s talk on “Aligning with Purpose” inspired attendees to find meaningful impact in their work, extending the power of purpose to all aspects of life and recovery.
Samantha Evans - Ohio Affiliate Director, National Peer Recovery Alliance: Evans shared her experience, underscoring the transformative power of peer support and community engagement in recovery.
Jeff McFadden - System of Care Coordinator, Bridgeway West Central Illinois ROSC. McFadden discussed the integration of Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) and deflection programs, which are vital in empowering the recovery community through support and resources.
Mike Tyson - CEO, Take Action Today. Tyson facilitated a leadership workshop aimed at strengthening Recovery Community Organizations, providing practical strategies to enhance leadership and community engagement.
A Day of Connection and Community Building
Between sessions, attendees had the opportunity to network and engage with peers, speakers, and representatives from various organizations. The exchange of ideas and resources throughout the day emphasized that everyone in the room plays a vital role in building a supportive recovery community. The event also featured exhibits where community members could access resources, learn about advocacy opportunities, and connect with support services.
Closing Remarks: Looking to the Future of Recovery Advocacy
As Recover-Con 2024 concluded, attendees left with a renewed commitment to advance recovery efforts, advocate for policy changes, and promote support for those affected by SUD. The day was a resounding reminder that by standing together, we can make significant strides in preventing substance use disorders and supporting those on their recovery journeys.
Save the Date for Recover-Con 2025!
We’re already planning for Recover-Con 2025, and we invite you to join us for another inspiring year of advocacy, education, and community. Together, we’re making recovery possible for all. Mark your calendar for next October, and stay tuned for more updates!