Going to College While in Addiction Recovery. A Guide for Students and Their Families

Transcription

1 Going to College While in Addiction Recovery A Guide for Students and Their Families

2 Table of Contents Chapter 1: The Problem of Substance Abuse on College Campuses...3 The Statistics: Drug and Alcohol Use Among College Students...4 Wasting the Best and the Brightest...5 The Importance of Recovery Programs for Students...6 College Is Important for Success in Life, But Risky for Students in Recovery Chapter 2: Going Back to (or Continuing) School While in Recovery...7 Navigating College While in Recovery...8 Why Students Like Adderall Taking Adderall Is Not Worth It Chapter 3: Supporting a Loved One in Treatment: Guidance for Family Members...12 Addiction Is a Family Disease...13 Supporting a Loved One Who s in Recovery...13 Family Members Need Support, Too

3 Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES 3

4 Many students who attend college or university experience, first-hand, complete and total freedom. Exploration, self-discovery, and experimentation become pieces to the puzzle of college life. It is in this light of freedom and exploration that substance abuse and engaging in dangerous behaviors has become a societal norm. Abusing alcohol, binge drinking, and experimenting with illegal drugs are unfortunately far too common among college students. THE STATISTICS: DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS The number of college students abusing prescription drugs and alcohol has been on the rise for decades. According to Monitoring the Future, a study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 41% of college students used illicit drugs in Students who avoided drugs and alcohol in high school can develop a substance abuse problem while in college. More often, drug and alcohol use begins in high school and escalates into a serious addiction in college. The statistics on drug use by college-age students are revealing. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2 found that: Nearly 47% of 18- to 25-year-olds engaged in binge drinking (defined as having five or more drinks on the same occasion) Abuse of prescription drugs was second only to marijuana use among 18- to 25-year-olds 23.4% of 21- to 25-year-olds drove under the influence 4

5 WASTING THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST A 2007 Columbia University report titled Wasting the Best and the Brightest: Substance Abuse at America s Colleges and Universities found that, each month, nearly half (49.4%) of college students aged engaged in binge drinking or abused prescription drugs and/or illegal drugs. 3 The report also found that between 1993 and 2001 the proportion of students who frequently engaged in binge drinking was up by 16%; the proportion of students who drank alcohol on 10 or more occasions in the past month increased by 25%, and the proportion of students who got drunk three or more times in the past month grew 26%. Between 1993 and 2005 the proportion of students who abused prescription drugs increased by: 343% for painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin 93% for stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin 450% for tranquilizers like Xanax and Valium 225% for sedatives like Seconal The Columbia University report also noted that students today are more likely to binge drink and drink to get drunk, and that prescription drug abuse has exploded since the university released its first reports on drug and alcohol use among college students in the early 1990s. This culture of substance abuse takes its toll on students in the forms of: Academic problems Illnesses Rape and sexual assault Student accidents Student assaults Injuries Mental health problems Deaths Retreat s University Partnership Program Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers specializes in helping university students find recovery. Using comprehensive alcohol and drug rehab programs, which include medical detoxification for drug and alcohol withdrawal, residential care, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, we assist students in navigating early recovery while continuing to pursue their academic goals. Benefits to Students Dynamic and collaborative treatment approach focused on physical, psychological, educational, and spiritual health. Focused treatment on management of common stressors and navigating challenges for students in early recovery. Alumni services for ongoing social support during integration back into school. Assistance for students considering a medical leave of absence while remaining enrolled in school. 5

6 These alarming statistics highlight the serious need for change on college campuses. University staff members, parents, and students all have a role to play in creating a culture of change. Thankfully, change is on the horizon. THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDICTION RECOVERY PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS As the scientific community increasingly recognizes substance use disorders as chronic conditions, the perception of addiction as a moral failing is in decline. Today, scientific and medical communities understand that substance use disorders are chronic conditions that require a continuum of care including intensive residential or outpatient treatment followed by continuing aftercare. Recovery management check-ups and early re-interventions can help minimize the risk of relapse and are recognized as important components of successful recovery programs. Universities and colleges are also embracing this new understanding of addiction. Since the 1980s, programs to help students suffering with substance use disorders (SUDs) have slowly but steadily grown in numbers. This includes both on-campus programs (often called collegiate recovery programs) and off-campus partnership programs, such as the University Partnership Program at Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers. COLLEGE IS IMPORTANT FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE, BUT RISKY FOR STUDENTS IN RECOVERY Graduating from college is increasingly important in today s competitive economy, yet attending college is often a serious threat to sobriety due to the prevalence of drug and alcohol use on so many college campuses. Peer pressure and the need to fit in are still significant for college students. On-campus or off-campus recovery programs can be tremendously helpful for students in recovery by assisting to: Focus on their academic goals Effectively manage stress Find non-drug related hobbies and leisure activities Establish friendships with non-drug using and sober peers Learn how to cope with exposure to substance use among peers Recovery partnership programs can also help students apply for a medical leave of absence in order to obtain treatment for substance abuse disorders while remaining enrolled in school. Let s look at how college students who are in recovery can navigate college life successfully and reduce their risk of relapse through a recovery partnership program to maximize their chances of long-term success. 6

7 Chapter 2 GOING BACK TO (OR CONTINUING) SCHOOL WHILE IN RECOVERY 7

8 The decision to continue pursuing your college or university goals is a significant step moving forward in your sobriety. However, doing so in early recovery can be quite challenging. It s important for those battling addiction to be mindful of the challenges ahead. Managing stress, coping with situations that may be triggers to your drug or alcohol use, and maintaining the hours required to work on your sobriety can be very overwhelming when added to the obligations of your academics. Outlined below are things students can do to reduce their risk of relapse. NAVIGATING COLLEGE WHILE IN RECOVERY SEEK OUT A SUPPORT NETWORK Whether a student chooses Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and follows the 12-step program or opts for a secular, science-based recovery program, having a support network especially one that includes peers in their age group can make all the difference in helping students maintain their sobriety. FIND A UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Programs specifically tailored for college students in recovery, like the University Partnership Program at Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers, can help students achieve their academic goals in a supportive environment. Retreat s partnership program will take each student s individual physical, psychological, educational, and spiritual needs into account. It will help students manage stress and navigate the common challenges of early recovery. It will also provide alumni services for ongoing social support while students integrate back into their college or university, and it will provide assistance for students who are considering a medical leave of absence while remaining enrolled in school. 8

9 TAKE ON A MANAGEABLE WORKLOAD Stress is one of the leading causes of relapse. Students should be cautious when selecting their courses, especially in the early months of recovery. It s important to make sure you are working toward your degree at a reasonable pace by taking on a reasonable workload. A reasonable workload allows adequate time for sleep, studying, outpatient therapy sessions, meetings such as AA, NA, or other peer-based meetings, and meaningful activities that help to provide a balance for your overall health and well-being. It may be necessary for students to go to school part time for a while, and that s ok. The stresses of managing an extreme workload can have consequences leading to relapse. Take the time to learn the necessary skills to make certain that relapse is not a part of your college experience. STAY BUSY There are many ways for students to stay busy when they re not studying, especially in college where extracurricular activities are abundant. Students may choose to work part time and go to school part time, a great way to gain practical work experience and earn extra money to support healthy hobbies. Students may also choose to volunteer, play sports, or get involved in the many clubs typically found on campus, such as drama or choir. Volunteering is another way to stay busy, and helping others in need or promoting a good cause often gives students a sense of meaning and purpose. CHOOSE TO LIVE OFF CAMPUS OR AT HOME Students struggling with drug or alcohol addiction may find that living on campus can be detrimental to their recovery process. Some colleges and university campuses implement rules and policies prohibiting the consumption of alcohol regardless of age. This is called a dry campus. Regardless of these rules set out by the school, substance abuse can still take place on site and early recovering addicts will find this type of an environment to be a major risk and trigger for relapse. Appropriate housing options include: Off-site apartment with other sober peers Off-campus sober house or transitional living program Living with family (family members who respect your sobriety) and commuting to campus Adderall: Drug of Choice for Many College Students Adderall, a stimulant known as a study drug, has seen an enormous rise on college campuses. Adderall is a prescription drug that was developed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it is commonly abused by students without an ADHD diagnosis. 9

10 CHOOSE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS Eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying active all reinforce the ultimate goal of sobriety, which is a balance of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and wellness. Sleep deprivation, academic pressures, and lack of exercise can impair a person s judgment, leading to various levels of distress, increasing the chances of relapse. It is important that recovering addicts find a healthy balance of work and sober play. Indulge in the activities that give you purpose, direction, and self-worth. MAKE SOBRIETY YOUR FIRST PRIORITY A sobriety-first approach enables students in recovery to set and achieve their goals, helps ensure a positive college experience, and increases their chances of long-term success in sobriety and in life. Things to Avoid: Parties where drugs and alcohol are present Dates where alcohol is involved Hanging out with former drinking or drugging buddies Organizations that promote excessive drinking Students are not alone in their recovery most have parents and/or other family members who care deeply about their well-being and success. Let s look at how family members can support loved ones through the recovery process while also caring for themselves. 10

11 WHY STUDENTS LIKE ADDERALL A combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, Adderall improves focus and concentration, helping students meet assignment deadlines or pull all-nighters studying. Some students take Adderall simply for the high it provides. Adderall abuse is a serious problem among college students. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, full-time college students between the ages of 18 and 22 were twice as likely to abuse Adderall as those in the same age group who were not in college. TAKING ADDERALL IS NOT WORTH IT Abusing Adderall and similar prescription stimulant drugs can lead to serious health problems. Short-term health problems can include low blood pressure, headaches, depression, rapid mood swings, insomnia, and changes in sex drive. Long-term use in large doses can cause serious health problems, including: Chest pain Slowed or difficult speech Blistering or peeling skin Dizziness Aggressive behavior Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs Changes Mania Paranoia Seizures in vision 11

12 Chapter 3 SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE IN TREATMENT GUIDANCE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS 12

13 ADDICTION IS A FAMILY DISEASE Because addiction tends to affect every member of the family (even extended family members) it is often called a family disease. Addiction can tear family members apart and bring them to their breaking point. The recovery process is important not only for the person suffering with the addiction, but for all members of the family. Oftentimes, it s not until someone in the family is in treatment for drug or alcohol abuse that other family members come to understand their particular role in the addiction. It is important to understand the role you may play as addressing family dynamics and dysfunction is part of the healing process. SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE WHO S IN RECOVERY Family members can support loved ones in recovery simply by being present. Participating in family counseling sessions, avoiding judgment and criticism, and showing compassion are all additional ways of showing support. Attending college can feel daunting for students in recovery; that s why it s important for family members to avoid putting too much pressure on the student to follow a certain academic path (e.g. You must go to medical school and become a doctor ) or make demands of them in terms of academic timelines (e.g. You must finish school in XX number of years ). 13

14 Family members can further support their loved one in recovery by: Working on developing good communication skills Encouraging abstinence from drugs and alcohol Learning about addiction and how it affects individuals and families Helping their loved one avoid exposure to alcohol/drug use by others (especially other family members) Listening attentively and encouraging their loved one to express their feelings Encouraging and supporting their loved one s participation in recovery groups Reinforcing constructive coping strategies for dealing with stress, upsets, or cravings Expressing a desire to meet their loved one s sober friends and acquaintances Checking in regularly to make sure their loved one is doing well, and being aware of signs of relapse FAMILY MEMBERS NEED SUPPORT, TOO Living with an addict can be exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is especially true for parents and spouses of addicts, who often play the caretaker (also called the codependent, or enabler) role. Enabling behavior often manifests as rescuing the addicted family member or bailing them out, making excuses for their behavior, trying to fix their problems, and, in some cases, knowingly providing them with the financial means to support their drug or alcohol problem. Once a family member begins to recognize their behavior as enabling their loved one s addiction, they are often saddled with feelings of guilt and shame. It s important for these individuals to recognize that they did not cause their loved one s addiction, nor can they control it; they can only control how they interact with their loved one going forward. This can be an empowering and liberating realization. 14

15 Self-care is important when dealing with addiction in the family. Parents and other family members can care for and protect themselves by: Seeking support Groups like Al-Anon and Narc-Anon provide a safe environment where people can share their thoughts, feelings, and frustrations, or simply take comfort in hearing the stories of those who are dealing with active addiction in their family or who have a loved one in recovery. Setting boundaries It s often when a loved one is in recovery that relationship patterns like codependency become clear. Through counseling, family members can begin to break unhealthy patterns and establish healthy emotional and physical boundaries with their loved one in recovery. Letting go of blame and embracing compassion Blaming a loved one for their addiction is destructive and can only lead to conflict. Approaching a loved one suffering with addiction from a place of compassion, kindness, and love can break down barriers and help family members become closer over time. Forgiving themselves It s common for parents of a person with an addiction to blame themselves for their child s addiction. They may have missed the signs of active addiction or failed to act on their instinct that something was wrong. They may blame themselves for passing on a genetic predisposition for addiction that runs in the family. Perhaps they weren t present as much as they should have been while their child was growing up. Self-forgiveness is an important part of the healing process, ultimately enhancing a person s ability to be more compassionate and loving going forward. It s important to recognize that self-care does not equal selfishness. Those who have a natural caretaker instinct often assume that caring for oneself means neglecting the needs of others. Yet, no one can fully care for or be present for others when their own needs are neglected. When family members care for their own emotional, physical, and spiritual needs they are sending a powerful message to their loved one in recovery that self-respect and self-care matter. 15

16 Sources Results2010-web/2k10ResultsRev/NSDUHresultsRev2010.pdf and%20the%20brightest.pdf alcohol-facts-and-statistics College_Drinking_Fact_Sheet_FINAL_ pdf

17 Retreat was established in 2011 in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. The founder s mission is, To provide a compassionate and spiritual environment where those suffering from the disease of addiction can begin the journey to recovery by providing enlightenment and education to the individual and their families. Since Retreat s founding, it has grown into a network of leading alcohol and drug treatment centers helping patients throughout the East Coast. Each patient at Retreat works with a clinical team that includes a primary therapist, a team therapist, a treatment technician, a team nurse, and an outreach specialist. Retreat embraces a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment, taking into account each client s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. We offer inpatient detox, rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and family education programs. Retreat offers additional therapies to promote well-being, including recreational therapy yoga, equine therapy, music therapy, gardening, art therapy, massage therapy, and others. Learn more about Retreat at retreataddictioncenters.com.