College Students in Recovery: How to Fight Relapse
Everyone knows the college stereotypes surrounding binge drinking, partying, and even drug use. Unfortunately, many of those stereotypes are in place for a reason. While movies and television shows might over-dramatize them, they can also sometimes make them look far more glamorous than they actually are.
The reality is, drinking and drug use in college is no laughing matter for anyone. But, if you’re in recovery, the temptation is even greater. Simply being in a college setting can be a relapse trigger.
So, what can you do to fully enjoy your collegiate experience without falling into the trap of relapsing?
Let’s cover a few helpful tips you can harness to stay strong and make the most of your college years while remaining clean and sober.
Make a Plan for Everything
One of the easiest ways to fall off the wagon is to go into a triggering situation blindly. Does that mean you can predict everything? Of course not. But, you can make as many plans as possible to prepare yourself for certain situations.
College parties happen all the time. If you know you’re going to one, prepare yourself. Bring a sober friend with you to be an ally and to keep you on track. Or, bring your favorite non-alcoholic beverage along to sip all night. This can help you avoid peer pressure since it’s unlikely people will be asking you what you’re drinking.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at a social event with drinking, make an “escape plan.” You don’t have to abruptly sneak out. But, you know your limits. So, you should consider what you’ll do to make a quick exit if things become too overwhelming.
With that being said, parties and social events can be too triggering for some. If you’re new to recovery or still having a hard time, it might be too intense. If that’s the case, your best option is to avoid those situations. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay away from them forever. But, your recovery should be your top priority, not parties.
Find Sober Alternatives
You can develop powerful relationships in college. The best part? Drinking doesn’t have to be involved. If you’re trying to avoid parties but still want to stay social, consider some of the following activities:
Joining a few on-campus clubs
Seeing a concert with friends
Going to the on-site gym or joining an intramural team
Finding a hobby
Volunteering
Getting a part-time job or internship
Any of these activities can help you make friends, enhance your experiences, and help to prepare you for the future. Plus, the friends you make can also end up being your advocates. Often, people recovering from addiction need to surround themselves with the right people. If you spend time with people who encourage old habits, you’re likely to fall backward.
Seek Out Resources
Mental health has become more important than ever at college campuses around the country. As a result, there are more resources available to you. If you’re feeling anxious about a potential relapse or even if you’ve slipped up, you’re not alone.
Seeking out a campus counselor or sobriety group can make a big difference. Not only will you have the support you need, but they can find you additional help. In some cases, that might mean talking to a local therapist. Sometimes, they might be able to connect you with a local addiction treatment center or off-campus meetings.
College should be a fun and unforgettable experience. You don’t have to spend every second worried about relapsing. But, understand that you’ll sometimes be surrounded by things that can trigger you. Preparing yourself for potential triggers and understanding your resources will make a big difference. Contact us today to find the support you need.