Staying sober during college is challenging when peers are partying and having fun with drugs and alcohol. Those who come to recovery during their collegiate years have surpassed what is considered as ‘fun’ in recovery. Managing stress and mental health is essential for success in recovery during college.
Mindfulness and meditation are two of the most effective tools for living in recovery during college. Both practices help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, and curb the presence of cravings.
Most colleges offer a mental health clinic where therapists and counselors are available to work with students who are in need. Outside of school, there are treatment programs which specifically support students in recovery through therapy, light treatment, and support of the collegiate recovery experience. Therapy during college can be an effective way of tackling emotional stress and trauma from childhood at an earlier age.
Taking care of yourself is a challenge for every student who goes off to college. Making sure you eat healthy, well balanced meals is one part of creating balance and wellness. Healthy amounts of exercise, personal hygiene, routine medical check ups, and plenty of sleep are all important parts of a self-care plan. Having a rigid schedule for academics and extracurricular activities can be a help to scheduling time for balance and wellness. Your time is precious in recovery. Make room in your busy calendar to take care of yourself, meet your needs, and stay healthy.
Binge drinking, experimentation with drugs, and harmful behaviors involving the use of substances are not a requirement for having a great experience in college. Getting over FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is the biggest obstacle and finding a way to have fun in a way which works for you. For young people who are students in college, it is often the fear of missing out, accompanied by insecurity and a need to fit in, which keeps them locked in the cycle of addiction long term. Recovery isn’t meant to be boring. Living a sober lifestyle gives you a new chance to have fun in life. Find new ways to have fun, connect with peers, and make memories. You’ll be surprised how many other people in college aren’t drinking and doing drugs- and they’re fine with it.
Students need support in their recovery during college. Design For Change offers specific student support services and treatment programs to those in the Lancaster area. Everyone is capable of recovering. For more information, call us today at (877) 267-3646.
