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Choosing outpatient treatment over inpatient care can provide you with everything you need in terms of therapeutic support, but it may not provide escape from life’s responsibilities in early recovery. That is, the bills keep coming in, and many feel pressured to quickly find employment.
While working can be good in recovery, providing structure to your schedule when you are not actively at the treatment program, and giving you the resources you need to begin to get your life back on track financially, it also has the potential to be a detriment. If you are working too much, working at a job that you find unfulfilling, overly stressful, or your job puts you in constant contact with drugs or alcohol or people who use them, it can harm your ability to stay sober.
For many, the logical response is to find a new job, potentially a new career, and start over again in the workforce. This usually means heading back to school to learn new job skills, get certified, or obtain a degree. While this can certainly improve job prospects and perhaps earning potential as well, is it the right choice in early recovery?
Better Education, More Opportunities
There are a lot of benefits to going back to school. You can:
- Meet new people who are focused on bettering themselves as well and interested in the same things you are
- Make connections with others who will be in the same industry that can help you later in life
- Connect with internship programs and get your foot in the door at companies that might be a great fit for you and your career
- Learn skills that will help you to excel on the job
- Give you the space and time to do well on something you care about and, in so doing, improve your sense of confidence in your ability to manage life in sobriety
The more educated you are, the more confident you are, not just at work but in your life in general. You know who you are, what you are doing, and where you are headed, and you will have the skills to take you there.
Too Much Stress?
The glaring potential issue with heading back to school can be summed up in two words: stress and money. In early recovery, finances are tight, and if treatment is expensive, school may be even more so. Here in Louisiana, higher education is not yet free, so those who choose to go back to school will have to figure out how to fund not only their academic pursuits but life in general as well, often while paying for or paying back the cost of treatment. Financial pressure can put you in a position of feeling like you need to work as much as possible on top of going back to school and keeping up with treatment and therapy, and that pressure can push you closer to relapse.
Additionally, school takes a great deal of mental energy and focus. You may come across concepts that do not come easily to you in the course of your studies. It may be frustrating and cause you doubt, especially if you are at risk of failing a class and potentially having to take it again. Self-doubt is a risk at any time in recovery, and if you have invested time, money, and energy in diving into a school program, it can be a trigger for relapse.
Is School the Right Choice for You?
Like everything in recovery, the decision to enroll in a school program is intensely personal and a choice that should be made based on your stability in recovery, your home life, your finances, and your goals for recovery and your life.
Ask yourself:
- How will I support myself while I am in school?
- Will I still be able to put my recovery first?
- What will I do if my financing falls through?
- How will I handle it if I find that I am not suited to the career?
- What support systems do I have in place to keep me on track in recovery no matter what else happens?
In recovery, the priority is always to stay sober first and foremost. If school gets in the way of that, it should be put on hold until you are in a more stable place.
Pros of Heading Back to School in Recovery
There are many benefits to heading back to school while in recovery. Here are a few:
1. A Sense of Purpose
One of the biggest benefits of going back to school is having a sense of purpose. When you are in recovery, it can be easy to feel lost or unsure of your direction in life. Going back to school can give you a goal to work towards and help you feel more accomplished.
2. A Support System
Going back to school can also provide you with a support system. You will have classmates and professors who can offer encouragement and support as you navigate your recovery journey.
3. Structure and Routine
Structure and routine are important when you are in recovery. Going back to school can provide you with a daily schedule and help you establish healthy habits.
Cons of Heading Back to School in Recovery
While there are many benefits to going back to school, there are also some potential downsides. Here are a few:
1. Stress
Going back to school can be stressful, and stress can be a trigger for addiction. If you are not ready to handle the stress of school, it may be best to wait.
2. Time Management
Going back to school requires good time management skills. If you struggle with time management, it may be difficult to balance your recovery journey and your studies.
3. Temptations
School can be a place where drugs and alcohol are readily available. If you are not confident in your ability to resist temptation, it may be best to avoid school until you are further along in your recovery journey.
What to Consider Before Heading Back to School
If you are considering going back to school while in recovery, here are a few things to consider:
1. Your Recovery Journey
Before making any decisions, it is important to consider where you are in your recovery journey. If you are in the early stages of recovery, it may be best to focus on your sobriety before adding any additional stressors to your life.
2. Your Support System
Do you have a strong support system in place? Going back to school can be challenging, so it is important to have people you can turn to for support and encouragement.
3. Your Goals
What are your long-term goals? Will going back to school help you achieve those goals? If so, it may be worth the risk.
Choosing a Recovery-Friendly School
When considering going back to school while in recovery, it's important to choose a school that is supportive of your recovery journey. Not all schools are created equal in this regard, so it's important to do your research and find a school that aligns with your needs.
One thing to consider is the school's policies on drug and alcohol use. Are they strict about enforcing these policies? Do they have resources available for students who may be struggling with addiction? These are important questions to ask when researching potential schools.
Another factor to consider is the campus culture. Is the campus known for heavy drinking or drug use? While you can't control what other students do, being surrounded by a culture of substance use can be triggering and make it more difficult to stay sober.
It's also worth looking into whether the school has any recovery programs or support groups available. Some schools have collegiate recovery programs, which offer support and resources specifically for students in recovery.
Ultimately, choosing a recovery-friendly school can make all the difference in your success as a student in recovery. By doing your research and finding a supportive community, you can set yourself up for success both academically and in your recovery journey.
Tips for Managing Stress and Avoiding Triggers While in School
Managing stress and avoiding triggers is crucial when it comes to maintaining sobriety while in school. Here are a few tips that can help:
1. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential when it comes to managing stress. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Taking breaks throughout the day can also help you recharge and lower your stress levels.
2. Create a Support System
Having a support system in place can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding triggers and managing stress. Consider joining a recovery group on campus or connecting with other students who are also in recovery.
3. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can help you avoid stressful situations that may trigger cravings or temptations. For example, if you know that a particular social event will involve alcohol, consider skipping it altogether or bringing along a sober friend for support.
4. Take Advantage of Resources
Many schools offer resources for students in recovery, such as counseling services or support groups. Take advantage of these resources to help manage stress and stay on track with your sobriety.
By implementing these tips, you can manage stress and avoid triggers while still achieving academic success as a student in recovery.
Balancing School and Attending Support Group Meetings
Attending support group meetings is an important part of the recovery journey for many individuals. However, it can be challenging to balance school and attending meetings regularly. Here are some tips to help you manage both:
1. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule that includes time for both school and support group meetings can help you stay on track. Make sure to prioritize your recovery by scheduling your meetings first, then work on fitting in your classes around them.
2. Utilize Online Resources
Many support groups have online resources available, such as virtual meetings or forums where you can connect with others in recovery. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy class schedule or live far away from in-person meetings.
3. Communicate with Professors
If you are struggling to balance school and attending support group meetings, consider reaching out to your professors for support. They may be able to offer flexibility with assignments or exams if they know about your situation.
4. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
Remember that it's okay if you can't attend every meeting or if you need to take a break from school for a semester to focus on your recovery. Be kind to yourself and prioritize what's most important for your health and well-being.
By following these tips, you can successfully balance school and attending support group meetings while still prioritizing your recovery journey.
The Role of Therapy in Supporting Recovery While in School
Therapy can be an essential part of the recovery journey for many individuals, especially those who are also attending school. Here are a few ways therapy can support your recovery while in school:
1. Managing Stress and Triggers
Therapy can provide you with tools and techniques to manage stress and avoid triggers that may lead to relapse. Your therapist can work with you to identify potential triggers related to school and develop coping strategies to help you navigate challenging situations.
2. Addressing Underlying Issues
Underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, can make it more difficult to maintain sobriety while in school. Therapy can help you address these issues and provide you with the skills needed to manage them effectively.
3. Building a Strong Support System
Therapy can also help you build a strong support system outside of school. Your therapist can connect you with local resources, such as recovery groups or sober living homes, where you can find additional support.
It's important to remember that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it may take some trial and error to find the right therapist and treatment approach for your needs. However, by working with a skilled therapist, you can gain valuable tools and insights that will help support your recovery journey while attending school.
Conclusion
Going back to school can be a great decision for those in recovery, but it is important to carefully consider all of the factors before making a decision. If you do decide to go back to school, make sure you have a strong support system in place and are prepared to handle the stress and potential temptations that come with it. As always, prioritize your recovery journey above all else.
What do you think? With September right around the corner, do you think that school is the right choice for you?
