Can You Go to College and Rehab? My Story of Recovery

As a college-age student at the University of Georgia, I never thought I’d find myself struggling with a drinking problem. But, like many of my peers, I got caught up in the party culture and before I knew it, I was in over my head. It took hitting rock bottom for me to realize I needed help.

Now, as I navigate college and rehab, I want to share my story to show others that recovery is possible, even in the midst of higher education. I hope my resource is useful, and offers a ray of hope if you are facing similar issues and the comfort of knowing that my decision to attend rehab was one of the better decisions of my life so far.

The Struggle is Real: Alcohol Abuse as an Undergrad

College is a time of freedom, exploration, and self-discovery. In addition to alcohol, many students also struggle with drug abuse during their college years. But, for many students, it’s also a time of excessive drinking and substance abuse. In fact, about 1 in 4 college students report using illicit drugs in the past year.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 60% of college students aged 18-22 drink alcohol, and nearly 2 out of 3 of these students also engage in binge drinking.

I was one of them. At first, drinking was a way to socialize and fit in. But, over time, it became a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, leading to serious substance abuse issues. I thought I was having fun, but in reality, I was numbing my emotions and avoiding my problems.

Hitting Rock Bottom

It wasn’t until I woke up in a hospital bed, unsure of how I got there, that I realized I needed help from some form of residential rehab facility where I could get away from the drinking routines I had fallen into. My alcohol addiction had reached a point where I could no longer control my drinking.

My drinking had spiraled out of control, and I was putting my health, relationships, and future at risk.

I was also experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms whenever I tried to stop drinking. That’s when I knew I needed to seek professional help.

Can College Students Go to College and Rehab?

The short answer is yes. You can go to college and rehab. In fact, many colleges and universities, including the University of Georgia, offer resources and support for students struggling with addiction treatment.

For me, seeking help meant taking a break from school to focus on my recovery. Detox and inpatient rehab in a secluded setting allowed me the time to get help, and then to continue my education while receiving the necessary medical care.

Following my time in treatment, I enrolled in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and began attending therapy sessions and support groups, which provided me with the supportive substance abuse treatment I needed. It wasn’t easy, but with the help of my treatment team and loved ones, I slowly began to rebuild my life.

Navigating College and Addiction Treatment

Returning to college after rehab was daunting, but I was determined to succeed. Here are a few things I learned along the way:

Seek support: Connect with your university’s counseling center or student health services, and explore outpatient programs that can provide guidance, resources, and support to help you navigate college and either inpatient or outpatient rehab. If your family members are supportive, that’s great. But if not, it happens, and a support network can be custom-built.

Find a community: Join a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, and consider outpatient treatment options to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Seek mental health support: Access mental health services through your university’s counseling center or student health services.

Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.

Be patient: It might be a cliche, but recovery is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up – instead, learn from your mistakes and move forward.

Higher Education and Much More are Possible in Recovery

Going to college and rehab may seem like an impossible task, but I’m living proof that it’s possible. With the right support, resources, and mindset, you can overcome alcohol or drug addiction and thrive in higher education.

If you’re struggling with addiction, know that you’re not alone. Seek help, stay committed to your recovery, and remember that your education and well-being are worth fighting for, with the right treatment program.

Remember, recovery is possible, and right here in Georgia. Please give yourself a fighting chance and reach out for help… it is a profound show of strength and never weakness.

Resources I Used to Get Help for Rehab in College

University of Georgia Counseling Center: www.uhs.uga.edu/counseling

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): www.niaaa.nih.gov

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): www.aa.org

SMART Recovery: www.smartrecovery.org

Ingrained Recovery: ingrainedrecovery.com

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): www.niaaa.nih.gov – Provides resources and information for those who abuse alcohol.