How to Support Drug and Alcohol Addicted Students?

Like many students might agree, studying in college is not the easiest thing to do with an unlimited number of tasks, learning the way to cope with various obstacles, and living independently. In addition to depression and anxiety, alcohol addiction and substance abuse represent a serious problem. The statistics state that 50% of students had a problem with illicit drugs, and 70% tried alcohol. These are socio-cultural factors that make students believe that these substances will help them boost energy levels and fit within their social circles.

Why alcohol and drug addiction is a big issue?

Despite valid reasons that are related to physical and mental harm, there are several social factors that are making up a negative college life culture and demonstrate the substance abuse like something which is helpful and easily accessible. It is a mistake to believe that drug addiction is common for depressed students only, which is so far from reality. The truth is that most alcohol and drug addiction problems begin when a student wants to avoid anxiety and tiredness with the assistance of an obviously harmless pill. Though it does give immediate clarity and energy boost, there are a lot of downsides coming at a further stage when common the symptoms of drug addiction become obvious. The same is about alcohol that is often utilized as a possible way to get rid of negative emotions and eliminate stress levels. It is still a serious problem even if students use moderate amounts of substances at the parties.

Another big problem is a factor of mentality, affecting the way the students that are addicted make decisions, behave, study, control the impulses, communicate with others, and understand their dangers. The changes in the developing brains might damage and have a long-lasting effect even with mild substance abuse.   

For example, drug or alcohol addicted student may think ‘I won’t do my homework, it is useless’. Then he won’t read some books to gain new knowledge. Such sequence damages both the person and the the whole society. That is why it is so importatn to help addicted students.

Ways to help students with alcohol and drug addiction

Note that it is impossible to get rid of this issue alone. Remember the following things when you deal with people in recovery:

  1. Refer to School Drug Prevention Program. It is necessary to search for an expert’s assistance as soon as you can at certain help centers that guarantee sufficient anonymity. There are trained educators, healthcare specialists, and psychologists who will select the best way out and will explain every possible recovery route.
  2. Be open-minded and talk. If you do not understand that there is an issue, you will not find a solution. Be sincere about the issue, and ensure you ask for their point of view. Talk about addiction’s negative effects and making other people suffer.
  3. Let people know that you need help and stay positive. Try to concentrate on positive targets that do not include drugs. Acknowledge and back up their effort. Do not prohibit them if they slip up since it might take some time to turn the things around.

 Resources for alcohol and drug-addicted students: 

  • Mental Health America Forums 

The positive part about such forums is because they are dealing with depression and anxiety that are the main damaging factors leading to substance abuse. With the help of expert healthcare specialists, this is a proper resource to find detailed data and ask a certain question.

  • Anxiety & Depression Association of America

This is one more working device for online backup that lets you communicate with the students with similar issues and takes care of confidentiality.

  • Overcoming Drug Abuse Society 

This is a great resource in which you might read about recovering students and those who have already recovered.

  • The Recovery Village 

One more source that is recreating a common campus environment when delivering treatment services. It also explains the way to deal with certain challenges when you recover. There are represented many sports options, creative projects, and volunteering.

  • College Drinking Prevention by NIAA

This resource is coming up with comprehensive data on dangerous drinking among students with devices for students, parents, and more.

  • The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) 

This resource represents the collegiate recovery programs as well as collegiate recovery-based communities. This network of experts explains the possible steps of the treatment plan. It assists in creating a life-long concentration on recovery and gives community connection needed. 

  • Collegiate Recovery Communities 

This is necessary to be connected with people that are understanding you properly. Going through a healing process, you might join one of the communities locally. Here you will learn about various substances risk, the real recovery stories, and the latest treatment approaches.

  • The coalition of Higher Education Associations for Substance Abuse Prevention

This is a non-federal source, seeking to get rid of illegal and legal drugs or other substances abuse by college students. Its target is to motivate students to glance over their lifestyle and assist them in avoiding wrong choices.

  • Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery

This source’s mission is bringing the knowledge and tools needed for the prevention of misuse of substances on campuses and share the facts about drugs and alcohol to professionals and students. 

  • College-Age & Young Adults Addiction Study Programs (NIDA)

It gives survey information on drug-using in the USA within the college-age groups. You might also get career opportunities in the Addiction Study Programs and Addiction Science.

Using such resources is something like pay for college admission essay or any other assignment. If a student cant write a text individually, he asks experts for help. Self same, if addicted person can’t treat herself, he or she asks some expert groups to help.

The process of alcohol and drugs abuse recovery 

There is no recovery process formula that is universal for any addicted college student because of substance types and diverse mental processes. However, you might use these stages:

  • Discuss your situation with the recovery expert to define the case and search for immediate resources that are relevant to every certain abuse case.
  • Create a recovery plan that will involve the college curriculum adjustment, medical help, and special activities.
  • Find a personal space. Join a roommate referral program or transitional living to give you round the clock support during the very first weeks.
  • Join special campus activities and counseling meetings.
  • Psychologist meetings and peer support activities. 

Tips to avoid alcohol in college 

The most appropriate strategy will be to join a recovery housing during the treatment. However, it is not always possible. It might be risky because of nearby bars and frequent college parties. If it seems unreal to live in a “sober” residence, the best way will be to join a peer support program locally.

It is good to research for collegiate recovery communities and see the support they offer and recovery activities. Seeking out such sober activities as a gymnasium, art groups, or a part-time job might be a good alternative to parties.   

When you belong somewhere, it will inspire you to recover and work harder. It is also necessary to drink a lot of water, exercise regularly, and have a healthy lifestyle.

Scholarships for students with alcohol and drug addiction 

Even though you might think that no one will understand you trying to make it through studying in college, there is good news for you: there are certain scholarships offering their acknowledgment and help. Despite the fact the very little number of people select a bad way of substance abuse, which is intentional, nobody has an immune to the addiction. When going through recovery, it is a kind of achievement that is worth recognition and admiration. Study these kinds of scholarships to select a program which suits your academic situation the most:

  • Addiction Awareness Scholarship

If you share the substance story of recovery, you might win the $10,000 award scholarship to back up your housing and education. help others with your vision.

  • RCA Hope for Addiction

If you want to help others with addiction or make a valuable contribution, it is your opportunity to join the rewarding program, making a positive change.

  • Peterson’s Social Media Story

If you know LinkedIn or Facebook well, join a chance to share the alcohol or the drug addiction story or tell a story about your family member or a friend.

  • SAMHSA Grant Funding for Substance Abuse & Mental Health Recovery Students

This is the flexible student assistance program that would study your certain case and offer the scholarship that is based on the college needs. It is including peer backup groups and the employee referral program of the future. 

Making the proper choice 

Searching for immediate assistance when encountering woes of drug or alcohol addiction or searching to assist the college friend is complicated always. It is also necessary to act on time and timely since professional assistance is always there. Don’t be afraid to make your first step to recovery. Search for assistance now and overcome your addiction! Even if your life might be difficult, there is always an opportunity to do the proper choice and control your future. 

< Go back to educational Blog