San Diego Sober Living for College Students
While substance abuse can affect people from all walks of life, one group of people that often struggle with substance abuse issues is college students. Colleges often get a reputation for a ‘party lifestyle,’ and one that is 'well-earned.' With the stress of studying, lack of supervision, and the struggles of living away from home for the first time, it’s not a surprise that many college students abuse drugs or alcohol. While it can seem like drugs and alcohol can help relieve the stress, they usually just end up making things worse.
Luckily, there are treatment centers where college students and other people dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD) can go to get help. And, for those who are newly sober, a sober living house is a great living environment for the first few months that they return to their academic pursuits.
Signs of Drug or Alcohol Addiction in College Students
If you know someone in college, it’s important to look for signs of substance abuse. Usually, behavioral signs are the first indication that something might be wrong. If you notice someone who is enrolled in college showing these symptoms, they may be struggling with an SUD:
- More irritability or anger than usual
- A decrease in motivation
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Going to class less often or not at all
- An unexplained increase or decrease in appetite,
- Exhibiting paranoia or anxiety
- Mood swings
- Hyperactive behavior
- Acting secretive
- Using substances while driving
Physical changes can also afford clues, but they might not be apparent, depending on what substance they could be using. Some physical changes to look for are:
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of self-care and a deterioration in physical appearance
- Unusual breath or body odor
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
- A lack of coordination
Finally, social changes can also give an indication that there is something to be concerned about. If you notice someone you know in college exhibiting these patterns, they may need help:
- Acting withdrawn
- Hanging out with new people at new places
- Having legal issues
- Having financial issues and always asking for money
- Having problems maintaining relationships
College Students and Substance Abuse
There are many things that contribute to drug and alcohol abuse in college students. The three largest factors are:
- Non-stop parties
- Students using drugs to help them study
- Using drugs or alcohol to help them cope with stress
How to Find Help for a College Student with a Substance Use Disorder
Dealing with a substance abuse problem isn’t simple and it can be problematic for college students. Many college students have gradually escalated their use and, quite often, they don’t believe that they have a problem.
Other college students worry about the ramifications of reaching out for help. They can be frightened of what their peers may say or what their families might think of them. There is also the concern that going to a rehab facility would cause them to lose their freedom and put their schooling on hold.
If you think you might be having substance abuse issues, the first step you can take is to just talk to a school counselor. They can help you explore your options so you can find a solution that works for your situation. Your counselor may recommend an outpatient program that allows you to continue to focus on your studies while getting sober. All treatment programs provide discretion, so you can open up to your friends and family members when you are ready.
How By The Sea Recovery Can Help
There are many options when it comes to finding treatment for substance use disorders in college students, and By The Sea Recovery in San Diego is a great option.
By The Sea Recovery is a men’s sober living facility located in San Diego, CA. Our recovery plan is designed to help college students and professionals get sober while continuing to go to school and work. Our facility was created for people that can’t put their lives on hold while recovering from substance abuse.
Our facility also has affiliations with drug treatment programs. These affiliations will allow those suffering from addictions that will require detoxifications to get the medical attention they need, all while living at our facilities.
If you or someone you know will require a medical detox, they can expect a thorough examination to start with. They assess each person’s mental and physical health to determine the underlying cause of their addiction. Then we apply science-based treatment, that may include a combination of DBT, CBT, trauma-focused and alternative therapies to help our residents achieve overall wellness.
Our residence at By The Sea Recovery is in an upscale setting. The home is located close to the ocean in a quiet neighborhood. Residents are within walking distance to nearby stores, the beach, and local meetings, such as A.A. and N.A.
At By The Sea Recovery, our staff has extensive experience in treating a variety of dependence issues. The staff and residents all promote a supportive environment that fosters support for everyone’s sobriety journey. There are weekly and monthly community events and adventures offered, to help ensure your recovery becomes an enjoyable process. We also provide vocation and college support throughout recovery.
It is often difficult for college students to maintain sobriety after getting out of a residential addiction treatment facility. Once people return to college life (and living with students who are not "in recovery"), it can be difficult to avoid old friends who invite them to the parties they should avoid. Returning to residence life in college often means dealing with the same stressors that caused you to use them in the first place.
The staff at By The Sea Recovery provides ongoing support that encourages you to stay sober after completing another treatment program. Our aftercare services include online meetings and in-person events that give you the strength you need to resist relapsing.
If you or a loved one is dealing with drug addiction or alcohol abuse, please reach out to By The Sea Recovery today. We will give you the tools you need to find recovery while pursuing your professional goals.
