- Table of Contents
BackgroundCollegiate Recovery
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As previously discussed, some college students meet criteria for substance use disorders, but are not actively seeking to change their behaviors or enter into recovery. However, there are students on college campuses across the nation who are actively in recovery.
While other college students may be engaging in alcohol and other drug use during college, students in recovery are:
- Learning how to maintain abstinence
- Restructuring their daily lives to avoid behaviors and triggers that may lead to use
- Balancing the demands of recovery and academics
- Making new friends and finding a sense of belonging
Remember the following:
- Not all college students use alcohol or other drugs. Some are in recovery, and some abstain for other reasons. Do not normalize substance use or make it seem like something that everyone is doing.
- Don’t pry. If someone is abstaining from use, don’t pressure them to tell you why or disclose that they are in recovery.
- Substance use and recovery are not something to joke about. Many individuals are impacted by substance use, whether their own or someone else’s (family, friends, co-workers). Be mindful and respectful, and do not make light of substance use.
- Put yourself in their shoes. If you are not in recovery, think about the things you might take for granted, such as feeling comfortable when people suggest going out for drinks. Take steps to ensure that if someone is in recovery (whether you are aware or not) the things you say and do reflect your understanding of substance use disorders and recovery.
