Heading back to school this fall, it is a disturbing revelation when a research study shows that nearly half of all full-time college students binge on drugs and alcohol. Getting through college is part of the American dream, and it is so unfortunate that many students each year throw the privileges of higher education away by making self-damaging choices, such as using drugs or getting drunk. For some, the peer-pressure gets to them. For others, it’s the temptation of a good time. Whatever the reasons, they aren’t worth it in the long-run. There are lots of ways to get through college without drug and alcohol abuse.

Tips for the Recent Rehab Graduate

Going through rehabilitation and staying clean and sober is a real achievement, and one that will definitely help you get through college. After rehab, it’s not uncommon for people to become overconfident when they return to an environment where alcohol and drug temptations seem to be around every corner. It’s not any easier to “say no” to your peers or to be around alcohol and not drink it. When going to college, be aware that drugs and alcohol will be all around you.

Be aware that the distraction of alcohol and drugs might be something you don’t want to deal with right after rehab, and that’s okay. Also realize that it’s a part of reality that you will have to face, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Let your family and friends know you need their support to stay clean. Recently sober living environments, such as Gatehouse College Campus, help newly sober and drug-free young adults achieve their higher education goals.

Tips for the Seriously Addicted

If you find that you’re one of those college binge drinkers or suffering from substance abuse, don’t wait – get help. You may have heard a lot of people say that it is never too late to start treatment and leave the past, along with your destructive habits, behind you. If it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. The truth is you can become clean, but only if you want to. You have to make the choice to make a change, to seek out help, and to follow through with the treatment.

There are lots of people you can turn to for help – college counselors, professors, your parents and friends. Go to a local treatment center and see if they have a rehab program that will work for you. Sometimes staying in the environment where you were used to drinking or doing drugs may be too challenging and tempting. That’s why a lot of people choose a long-term rehabilitation center, where you can get away from all the stress and pressures in your life and just focus on successfully conquering your addiction.

Tips for Every College Student to Stay Clean

It’s challenging for all college students, whether they’ve had addiction problems in the past or not, to stay away from substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol are everywhere around campus, so it really takes a strong conviction and some determination to stay out of it. Here are tips for every student planning to attend, or currently in, college:

1. Make a commitment to your degree, not to drugs and drinking – Decide now that you aren’t going to let drugs and alcohol stop you from earning a college education and graduating with your degree. Making a conscious choice to not get involved with alcohol or drugs will keep you out of parties or situations where you might be tempted.
2. Find Alternatives – Your college years are supposed to be a fun and exciting time in your life. Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do, and then make sure you do them! Ask if your college or university has any anti-binge drinking social events or programs or take an elective course like dance, archery or swimming just for fun. Hang out with friends who are also interested in staying sober and drug-free. Create a support group and plan activities and events where you can have fun without all the drama of substance abuse.
3. Follow Through – From your freshman year to graduation, don’t give up on yourself. Remember that nobody’s perfect, and if you do slip up, it’s not all over. When the problems and challenges get tough, don’t feel embarrassed about going to the people in your support group for help. College tests the will and strength of every young adult and you can get through it without trashing your body.