Going to rehab as a student: Don’t shy away from it

September 11, 2022

Being a college student should be one of the best times of your life. It’s the years where you really come of age, experimenting with many things from sex and relationships to alcohol, drugs, and even hobbies that will end up becoming things you love across a lifetime.

However, it can also be a difficult time, especially if you let the likes of alcohol and drugs control it. The stresses of college, particularly in this day and age, are higher than ever before, and with a mental health crisis happening all over the world, many college students can find themselves in a dark place, suffering from addiction to try and cope with the stress levels that come with fitting in, maintaining relationships and trying to get a top grade to shape your career.

Across the world, it’s seeing more students turn to drugs, and across many parts of it, there’s a real opioid crisis, with young people becoming hooked on the likes of fentanyl in order to get through their studies. It’s being widely reported across many news outlets in the USA, and while there’s plenty of fear-mongering going on, there’s little action being taken to help those who are suffering.

Many students may feel like rehabilitation for drugs is not really an option with everything that is going on in their lives. But that’s far from the case, and treatment should in fact be treated as a priority to get their lives back on track.

Find support on campus

One of the first things to do is find support on campus. Many colleges and universities these days will have schemes in place for people to get the support they need. Often students think that going into rehab will mean the end of their studies. However, there are also outpatient treatment courses and support groups that can help with addiction recovery while not giving up your studies.

Take a leave of absence

However, if it is your studies that have largely caused you to slip into a form of addiction, then taking a leave of absence may be the best option. That doesn’t mean you quit your course, but rather take a break while you get the treatment you need. Then, once you’re ready to return, you can pick your studies back up.

It’s important at that stage to make sure you are fully ready to return, while also considering whether it’s the right course for you if you had previously found it too stressful.

Get sober accommodation

Many universities and colleges are also offering sober accommodation these days, to help students avoid the pressures of drinking and drugs, which are perfect for recovery. You’ll find a supportive and like-minded community living within them where sober parties, social events, and all sorts go on, meaning you won’t miss out on the student experience.

About the Author Elle Gellrich

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