Should I Go Back to School After Rehab?

The decision to go back to school after getting better is a major one that makes many feel both hopeful and scared. There isn’t a “right time,” but you need to **prepare ahead, have a strong support system, and be honest with yourself about how ready you are** for this shift to succeed.

Should I go back to school after rehab?

After finishing treatment at Deluxe Treatment Center, many clients feel energized, motivated, and ready to take back their lives. That means going back to school for a lot of folks. You need a clear and well-supported plan to balance your coursework with your commitment to being sober if you’re going back to high school, college, or starting college for the first time.

The short answer to the question “Should I go back to school?” is **yes**, but not right immediately. **When and how** are the most crucial things.

1. The Readiness Checklist: How to Know If You’re Ready

Going back to a school or social setting with a lot of stress too soon could put your **sobriety at jeopardy**. Most addiction experts believe that you should wait until your recovery is solid before trying anything else.

The best sign that you’re ready is that you can manage your recuperation on your own without needing constant reminders. These are some crucial questions to think about:

• Have I made a plan? Do you go to SMART, 12-Step, and other meetings all the time? Do you take care of yourself by eating well, sleeping well, and doing things that are good for you? For keeping sober, **structure is very crucial**.
• Do I utilize my support system often? Do you call your sponsor or accountability partner every day? Is it okay to ask for help before things get bad?
• Can I handle stress without using drugs? School stress makes a lot of people go back to using drugs. You need to know how to deal with stress in healthy ways, such exercising, meditating, and writing in a diary, before you start your classes.
• Did I make a complete Aftercare Plan? You and your therapist should have worked together to make a written plan that includes your triggers, limitations, and emergency contacts. The **complete range of care** is needed for long-term success.

Addiction physicians suggest that a lot of college-age adolescents should strive to stay sober for at least **six months to a year** before going back to a regular university campus, which is full of drugs and alcohol.

2. How to Handle the Problems of Campus Life

People who are just starting to get better typically think that college campuses are dangerous places for two main reasons:

A lot of stress and pressure to do well in school

College may be incredibly stressful due of tight deadlines, a lot of work, and high expectations. Students in recovery may find it challenging to deal with this stress without turning back to their old methods of using drugs and alcohol to cope. You should start with a smaller schedule during your first semester back, maybe simply **two or three classes**, to stay up with your schoolwork.

“Party Culture” and Pressure from Friends

A lot of college events, like Greek life and sports tailgates, involve drinking and using drugs. It’s quite dangerous to go back to the same set of friends or social circle that let you use drugs before. You should be ready to:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Make sure your old pals know you’re sober, and if they put your health at risk, be ready to cut ties with them.
• Find New Friends: Look for others who also want to stay sober.

3. Important Things to Do to Do Well in School While You’re Getting Better

The best thing you can do to achieve well in school is to put your **rehabilitation first**. You can’t go to school if you’re not sober.

Take advantage of the resources on campus.

Most large schools and institutions now provide resources that help students stay sober directly:

• Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs): These programs allow students in recovery a safe, private place to obtain help from other students, perform sober activities like hiking or movie nights, and get help with their homework.
• Sober Housing: Some institutions provide dorms or other places to live where students promise not to drink or do drugs. This creates a safe small community.
• Counseling and Health Services: Call a campus counselor or academic adviser straight away. They can assist you secure accommodations, extensions, and find recovery meetings that aren’t on campus.

Build a strong network of support for persons who are sober.

Your **recovery network is like a shield for you**. This includes both the individuals who aid you off campus (such your sponsor, therapist, or family) and the new sober community on campus. **Being alone is a common trigger.** It’s crucial to do sober things with other people to feel connected without being tempted.

Think about different choices.

If you think going to a four-year residential school is too risky, here are some other things you can do your first year back:

• Community College: If you go to a community college near you, you may focus on your studies and recovery without having to worry about living on campus.
• Online Classes: Taking one or two online classes will allow you get back to school while still being a part of your local recovery group.

Your journey continues with the Deluxe Treatment Center.

Going back to school is a brave and vital step in having a happy and successful life in recovery. It shouldn’t be the end of your help; instead, you should see it as the next stage in your aftercare.

The people who work at Deluxe Treatment Center want to help you make a complete plan to avoid relapsing and teach you the skills you need to handle stress at work or school. We give alumni skills and help on an ongoing basis so that when you go back to school, you are ready to do well in school and in life.

If you want to go back to school but don’t know what to do next, click on the link to Deluxe Treatment Center’s contact page to get in touch.