You just finished your time at an alcohol treatment center in Pennsylvania and now comes the real test.
You are headed back to college. This transition can be daunting. It is okay to be nervous, but college doesn’t mean you are going to relapse. There is still a way to have fun at school without drugs or alcohol. You just need to alter your expectations and have a sober college experience instead.
How To Be Sober in College & Stay Sober
We know that it may not be easy, but our PA addiction treatment center wants to provide you with a few tips on staying sober in college to help you feel confident about going back to school.
Choose your friends wisely.
Be careful who you choose to spend your time with. Some people like to let loose in college and choose to go out every night. These are probably not the people you should be spending your time with. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone parties in college. Find people with priorities that don’t include partying and you have a much better chance of avoiding relapse.
Avoid drug triggers.
Unfortunately, college can be filled with drug triggers for the recent recovering alcoholic or addict. It is best to avoid tailgates, frat parties, clubbing, and other events where drugs and alcohol could be present. Even if you think you can handle it, you do not want to tempt yourself and regret it later.
Join lots of clubs or play a sport.
While some people experiment with drugs in college, you can experiment with new hobbies instead. When you have a Saturday packed with club activities or a big club game, you are much less likely to stay out late on a Friday night and possibly get in trouble. These activities will not only keep you busy, but also expose you to people who are interested in the same things you are. Your university may even have a group for sober students. If not, you can always start one yourself.
Attend outside recovery meetings.
Even though you may have completed treatment like our PA inpatient addiction program, recovery isn’t over. Being sober in college isn’t always easy, so it is important to still check in. A nearby recovery meeting can help you stay on track and address drug triggers with people who are going through similar struggles.
Get help if you relapse.
If you do relapse, do not immediately give up. Relapse is a part of the recovery process for many, but you should not just throw in the towel. Get back into rehab immediately or find other professional help. You do not want one mistake to lead you down the rabbit hole back to addiction.
Remember a sober college experience doesn’t have to be a boring college experience. Just because you are not drinking or doing drugs, doesn’t mean college cannot be the best time of your life.
If you are still looking to take that first step toward recovery, let us step in. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we will work with you to overcome your addiction problems for good. Call us today at 570-536-9621 to get started.
