Lana Oconnell
Substance abuse is a significant problem among college students, with many succumbing to addiction due to the freedom and stress of university life. While colleges and universities are taking steps to address this issue, the availability of resources and support for students in recovery varies. Some institutions offer comprehensive collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) that provide supportive resources to help students maintain sobriety while pursuing their education. These programs include substance-free activities, designated housing, relapse prevention, and support spaces for students dealing with addiction. However, many colleges lack formal addiction treatment services, and students may need to seek external referrals for rehab or detox programs. The effectiveness of recovery programs also depends on the participation of the student community and the ability of faculty to identify and assist those in need. While seeking help for addiction during university can be challenging, it is possible to navigate both recovery and higher education with the right support and mindset.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of universities offering addiction help | More than 140 in the US |
| Type of help offered | Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs), sober dorms, counseling, community, and sober activities on campus, screening, referrals to rehab centres, etc. |
| Effectiveness of CRPs | 87.5% of alumni of CRPs had not relapsed since graduation |
| Challenges | Many students in need of CRPs may not know these services exist, students fear seeking help due to the risk of being expelled, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Collegiate recovery programs
CRPs have been established in colleges and universities across the United States, with the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) reporting over 140 institutions with such programs. ARHE is the central authority on CRPs, providing education, resources, and community connections to support the recovery and academic pursuits of students. The association also conducts research and advocates for fair compensation and professional development within the field of collegiate recovery.
Some notable examples of collegiate recovery programs include the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program at Rutgers, which offers housing, educational services, and intervention by certified substance abuse counselors; the StepUP Program at Augsburg College, which provides recovery housing and community support; and the Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery at Texas Tech University, which offers a comprehensive range of services, including a collegiate recovery community and technical support to other universities developing similar programs.
The existence of these programs challenges colleges to create inclusive and recovery-ready communities that understand and support the needs of students in recovery. While CRPs have been successful, there is a need to improve awareness of these programs among students who may benefit from them.
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Student affairs professionals
Understanding the Student Population:
Recognizing Warning Signs:
Professionals should be trained to recognize the warning signs of substance abuse and addiction. These may include chronic absenteeism, frequent late arrivals, a decline in academic performance, mood swings, drastic changes in personality, and unexplained paranoia or anxiousness. By carefully monitoring student attendance and academic performance, professionals can identify students who may be struggling and offer early intervention.
Providing Recovery Infrastructure:
Building Trust and Empathy:
When engaging with students struggling with addiction, it is essential to build trust and demonstrate empathy and understanding. Student affairs professionals should communicate their willingness to support students throughout their recovery journey. Respecting students' legal adulthood and maintaining confidentiality are crucial aspects of establishing trust. Additionally, providing clear information about available resources, such as local rehab centers and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can empower students to seek professional help.
Collaborating with Faculty and Staff:
In conclusion, student affairs professionals play a pivotal role in supporting students in recovery on college campuses. By offering a range of resources, building trust, and collaborating with various stakeholders, they can help students successfully navigate their recovery journey while pursuing their academic goals.
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$29.86 $35
Barriers to seeking help
While universities are taking steps to support students struggling with addiction, there are still barriers that prevent students from seeking help.
Financial limitations are one of the major barriers that prevent students from receiving treatment. Many students are uninsured due to the high cost of insurance, loss of a job, losing Medicaid, lack of insurance through an employer, or change in family status. Even for those with insurance, plans do not always cover medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, and inpatient residential care or treatment for more than 30 days may not be covered. Treatment can be expensive, and students may worry about the negative impact of long-term leave on their academics or finances.
Stigma surrounding addiction also prevents students from seeking help. Addiction carries a heavy weight of judgement, and many students do not want to stand out or be punished; they want to fit in and move forward in their lives.
Lack of awareness about the available resources is another barrier. Many students in need of help may not know that collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) exist at their universities.
Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can also discourage students from seeking help, as they may feel that their addiction is too severe to quit without professional help.
Additionally, structural, systemic, personal, and socioeconomic barriers can make it challenging for students to access the help they need. For example, students may live too far away from quality treatment providers or not have transportation to get to and from treatment.
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Warning signs and intervention
While universities are increasingly offering addiction recovery programs, resources, and support services, it is important for faculty, parents, and peers to be aware of the warning signs of addiction in students and know when to intervene.
Warning Signs
The early warning signs of substance use and addiction in teenagers and young adults can be challenging to spot, and casual use can quickly spiral out of control. It is important to pay attention to any changes in behaviour, particularly in relation to a young person's passions, interests, and habits, as this can indicate when something is amiss.
Young people who are surrounded by peers or family members who use drugs or alcohol are at a higher risk of addiction themselves, as this "normalizes" use and increases access to substances.
Other warning signs include:
- Cravings and tolerance: Younger brains are more sensitive to drugs and alcohol, and early use can lead to physical cravings and a progressive cycle of tolerance and increased use.
- Changes in appearance or personal hygiene: Dishevelled appearance, bloodshot eyes, or a lack of attention to personal hygiene can be indicators of addiction.
- Changes in behaviour: This may include a change in friends, social isolation, or secretive behaviour.
- Academic or professional performance: A decline in academic performance or attendance, or increased absence from work, can be a sign of underlying issues.
- Legal troubles: Getting into legal trouble, such as arrests or citations, can be a red flag for substance use.
- Financial issues: Sudden requests for money or unexplained financial difficulties may be a sign of addiction.
- Health issues: Repeated health issues, such as hangovers or injuries, can indicate a problem with substance use.
Intervention
Intervention for substance use and addiction should be handled with care and professionalism. While peers may be aware of a friend's substance use, they may avoid addressing it due to the potential awkwardness of the conversation, which can unintentionally enable unhealthy behaviours. Therefore, it is often left to parents, faculty members, or other concerned adults to intervene.
Colleges and universities can play a crucial role in intervention by offering recovery programs, support groups, and counselling services. These services can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for students to seek help and work towards recovery. Additionally, educational institutions can implement strategies such as scheduling classes on Fridays to reduce alcohol-related partying on Thursdays and extending the opening hours of recreational facilities and libraries to provide alternative social activities.
For those close to a student struggling with addiction, it is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Open and honest conversations are key, and it is crucial to avoid shaming or blaming the individual. Offering support and encouragement to seek professional help can make a significant difference in the student's journey towards recovery.
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Peer pressure and addiction
Universities are increasingly offering addiction help to students, recognising that substance abuse is a widely recognised problem on college campuses. Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) are becoming more common, with over 140 schools in the US providing these services. CRPs have been successful at supporting students in recovery, with an 87.5% non-relapse rate among alumni.
Peer pressure is a significant factor contributing to adolescent substance use. During adolescence, individuals crave acceptance and belonging, and this desire often influences their decision-making. The influence of peers on an individual's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours can lead to the initiation and escalation of substance use. This is particularly true when an adolescent's peer group largely consists of substance users.
Negative peer pressure can lead to unhealthy behaviours, including substance use and addiction. For example, if an adolescent's peers are consuming alcohol, they may feel pressured to drink as well to gain acceptance. This pressure can be obvious, such as offering someone a drink, or more subtle, like believing one has to consume alcohol to be accepted by popular students.
Positive peer pressure, on the other hand, can encourage healthy behaviours and positive choices. Through positive peer pressure, peers can motivate each other to avoid substances or use them in safer ways. For example, a peer group may encourage a friend to study more or save money instead of spending it on drugs.
The impact of peer pressure is particularly strong during adolescence due to brain development and hormonal changes. The adolescent brain is still developing impulse control, risk assessment, and decision-making abilities. Hormonal changes during this time can also influence emotions and behaviour, making adolescents more susceptible to peer influence.
To prevent negative peer influences and substance use, adolescents can be equipped with strong decision-making skills, a strong sense of individual identity, and education on social norms and peer influence. By fostering these skills and knowledge, adolescents can make informed decisions and resist peer pressure to engage in substance use.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities do offer addiction help to students. Collegiate recovery programs have been around for four or five decades, and their evolution began around the mid-2000s. According to the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, more than 140 schools in the US have such programs that provide supportive resources to help students maintain their sobriety while continuing their education.
Universities offer a range of addiction help services, including designated housing for recovering students, educational and intervention services by certified substance abuse counsellors, 12-step meetings, and sober activities. They also provide mental health support through their counselling centres or student health services.
If you are struggling with addiction, you can access addiction help at your university by reaching out to the specific student health department or campus health services. They will be able to provide you with resources and referrals to appropriate rehab resources and support groups. Additionally, you can access mental health support through the university's counselling centre or student health services. It is important to seek help and stay committed to your recovery.
