A Rochester tailgate party is being used to help show recovery from addiction is possible.
(ABC 6 News) — Rochester treatment providers teamed up on Sunday for what they’re calling one of the biggest recovery events in Olmsted County.
Using a tailgate to show the community what support and sobriety can look like when everyone works together, organizers and local treatment centers aimed to make the day about far more than football.
“That’s what this is all about, is giving people fun and exciting things to do in recovery events without just going to meetings, building family relationships back together,” said Jennifer Donaldson, owner of EmPower Treatment Center and co-founder of ALPHA Addicts Learning Practicing Healthy Alternatives.
This year’s Ultimate Recovery Tailgate brought dozens of treatment providers together, turning a pregame gathering into a countywide show of unity.
What started small three years ago has grown into a place where families can reconnect and people in recovery can feel supported.
“I’ve actually seen events like this bring families back together,” said Donaldson.
And for many, rebuilding those relationships also means reclaiming days that once revolved around drinking.
“Look at what’s happening today, it’s the Packers versus the Vikings,” said Robert Lyman, an attendee. “For many, many years, all I know is to go to the bar, get hammered and have a party.”
It’s about rebuilding routines — and proving they can still be fun without the substances that once took over.
“I’m in recovery, and I think so often, especially early on in recovery, you forget that you can have fun while not using,” said Michael Kirschling, outreach manager at EOSIS, an addiction and mental health service program provider.
And in Olmsted County, the need is real — in 2023, 26 overdose deaths per 100-thousand people were recorded. And many attendees at the tailgate have felt those losses firsthand.
“I’ve lost a lot of friends in the last couple of months from overdoses,” said Zachary Holt, an attendee. “And it’s hard when you’re going through it alone, you know.”
And that’s why those in attendance say these connections matter now more than ever.
“As a lot of people know, connection is the opposite of addiction,” said Lyman. “This is where we build those connections, this is where we break bread, this is where we find the love. And that’s what defeats this thing.”
To learn more about the event and treatment options, click here.
