A twist to LSU tailgating: A sober tailgate for people in recovery

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

"I don't think I'd be able to tailgate if we didn't have tailgates here, I'd have no interest in doing it too, it would just be kind of like what's the point for me, I know it's not going to end well," said Michael Guillet, President of the Collegiate Recovery Program.

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

"There was a lot of reasons to come here, but it is well known for being a big-time 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 game day, so when I got the job, I had nine years in recovery so it wasn't a trigger for me, but we wanted a place where someone if they have two months under their belt, they can still come and be safe," said Adam Singer, Program Manager.

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

"This is a great way to invite people out to have a tailgate and do all the things that you would do when you come to a game just without drinking or doing drugs and alcohol," said Dicharry.

Other students we spoke to say it's great to have student experiences without the risk of jeopardizing what they 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 friends in fraternities and then come back here and have a safe space where I don't have to feel tempted," said Connor McPherson, chairman of the program.

They host these tailgates every home game, they are in front of Coates Hall for anyone wanting to attend.