What Are Collegiate Recovery Programs and How Can They Help Students in Recovery?

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The outdated stereotype of a homeless alcoholic or addict living on the streets doesn’t accurately represent many of the people who struggle with addiction. In fact, addiction is a universal and far-reaching disease that does not discriminate. It affects people of all walks of life, young and old, rich and poor, educated and not. However, college-aged students ages 18-22 make up the age group that is thought to be most susceptible to substance abuse and addiction.[1]

On any given day, more than 1,326 full-time college students are thought to try an illicit drug for the first time and 1.2 million drank alcohol. Even though not all students who abuse substances will become addicted, those who engage in repeated substance abuse or those with other underlying factors may be more susceptible to addiction.

Unfortunately, addiction has long-lasting and devastating effects. It can completely derail a person’s education, causing them to fail their classes, not show up for exams, and even get kicked out of school or see their scholarships revoked. As a result, it is imperative that college students suffering from addiction obtain the help they need to stay on the right path.

College students may go to rehab while going to school or return to rehab after getting sober. Either way, this adjustment into life in sobriety can be difficult and full of unexpected challenges. Many Universities in the United States are beginning to embrace collegiate recovery programs to help support their students who are striving to stay sober and continue their studies. Collegiate recovery programs in New Jersey bring the ideas of peer support, therapy, and college together in one safe and secure environment for students.

What is Collegiate Recovery?

“Collegiate recovery” is a term used to describe any type of campus-related or college-oriented recovery program. These are usually offered by youth groups, colleges, or sober students on college campuses. While all programs are different from one another, they all have a common goal of supporting students who are in recovery from addiction while helping them complete their higher education.

Services Offered by Collegiate Recovery Programs in New Jersey

College-oriented recovery programs aim to provide a safe and supportive space for students in recovery to proceed with their education within an environment that is conducive to recovery. They do this by offering a variety of services, including:

  • Sober housing for students – Some campuses may have residential halls or areas that are reserved for students in recovery. Also, some sober living homes may be suited for students.
  • Drug and alcohol-free social events – Collegiate recovery programs will often host sober gatherings or provide people with opportunities to get together, have fun, and/or volunteer in the community. This is a great way for sober students to socialize without the pressure of alcohol or drugs.
  • Professional counseling services – Many colleges have on-campus counseling and mental health services. Some programs have specialized programs that provide
  • Informal sober support – For many students, college is a time of freedom and self-exploration. Many college students engage in binge drinking and recreational drug use. As a result, people in recovery may have a hard time finding where they fit in. A collegiate recovery program introduces like-minded individuals to one another.
  • Recovery coaching – Recovery coaches are not counselors, but they are usually in recovery themselves and have some type of training in life coaching. They can help students review their treatment program, make decisions, and find the resources they need in recovery.
  • On-campus 12-Step meetings – While 12-Step meetings can be found in nearly every major and small town in America, it is convenient to have them right on campus. Universities in New Jersey with collegiate programs often provide 12-Step meetings on campus that students can attend.

On-campus recovery programs are generally reserved for students who are already in recovery. Other students may need treatment before participating in a collegiate program at their school. In these circumstances, outpatient treatment can provide flexible treatment schedules for students who need to balance rehab with school.

Addiction Treatment for College Students

College students have a lot on their plates – between classes, studying, social events, and more. Oftentimes, students cannot take a couple of months off of school without getting behind in their education or losing their scholarships and grants. As a result, students who are struggling with addiction may be unable to attend an inpatient program.

Fortunately, outpatient rehab centers in New Jersey offer drug and alcohol treatment on a flexible basis, meeting the needs of students and other individuals who cannot attend residential treatment. Addiction treatment for college students may consist of:

  • Group and individual therapy
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Life skills training
  • Case management
  • Psychotherapy
  • Time management training
  • Peer support groups
  • Holistic therapies
  • Referrals to collegiate recovery programs at their school

Find a Collegiate Recovery Program in New Jersey Today

Students who struggle with addiction may be tempted to put off getting help until after they graduate. The problem with this is addiction is terribly disruptive, and it can destroy one’s goals of graduating college and earning a degree. Instead, the answer lies within outpatient rehab which can allow students to go to rehab, get the help they need, and remain in school all at the same time.

Whether you’d like to learn more about collegiate recovery programs in New Jersey or you need to stage an intervention for a college student, our team at New Jersey Addiction Intervention is here to help. Call now to get started.

References:

  1. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_2361/ShortReport-2361.html

Medically Reviewed: May 17, 2021

Dr Ashley

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dr Ashley Murray obtained her MBBCh Cum Laude in 2016. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine.


All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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