If you’re among the many college students who reached sobriety over the summer, the question “How was your summer?” may fill you with a little anxiety.

You’re already stressed about your schedule and moving back on campus and are probably nervous about the stigma attached to sobriety and college. The good news: staying sober in college is possible. We have a few tips to help ease your mind and strengthen your recovery.

Although college can be a major challenge to sobriety, various tools can help.

The first and best tool is to attend recovery support meetings. Yes, your schedule is busy, but meetings should be considered as important as classes. Don’t skip them. Chances are good that your school offers a collegiate recovery program, but if it does not, you can easily find meetings in the surrounding community or online. Check whether your campus offers dry housing, sober activities, and recovery groups.

It may also be a good idea to explore off-campus living situations and to find a roommate who values education more than parties. Again, some research is required here – but it’s research that can save your life.

Staying sober in college is possible when you put your mind to it.

Become aware of your surroundings and avoid situations where drinking and drug use may be prevalent. Explore physical and/or creative activities to keep you busy, such as joining a hiking, art, music, or exercise club. Clubs are a great way to meet people and engage in positive outlets without alcohol or drugs.

Lastly, remember your sobriety should come first. Try not to fall into the grips of peer pressure, and stay grounded within your recovery program.

Reference:
Programs. Association of Recovery in Higher Education. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2017.