Colleges Combat Addiction and the Reason Why Might Surprise You…

Colleges sometimes have the reputation as a time for “spreading one’s wings” which can include binge drinking and experimenting with drugs. Some schools are working on turning this image around. The reason why might surprise you.

Many who go to college and experience the partying don’t end up becoming addicts but for those who already had substance abuse issues, college can be a difficult environment and in some cases a deadly environment. Just last week at Louisiana State University, a fraternity was shut down after a hazing ordeal where one of the members died. The hazing ritual consisted of something they called “bible study” where new pledges to the fraternity were asked questions about the Latin alphabet and if they answered incorrectly, they were forced to drink. Read the full story here.

This is why several colleges across the country have begun to implement programs known as “collegiate recovery programs” or CRP’s to help those in recovery. According to a nonprofit organization known as Transforming Youth Recovery, the number of CRM’s has gone from 35 to more than 150. These programs range from community groups to meetings and can include sober living housing.

Some of the testimonials from these types of programs are awesome. Cody Thompson struggled with drug addiction, even dropping out of college and going into addiction treatment at one point. He later wanted to return but was afraid of the party culture and slipping back into substance abuse. Cody enrolled in the Step Up program at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Since then, he has become a Resident Peer advisor who helps others. Cody had this to say, “This work has allowed me to connect with so many students on a whole new level.”

If your loved one is in college and is struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, it is possible for them to take a medical leave and get treatment before a tragedy happens. This way they don’t get kicked out and can return to school after treatment with some colleges even offering help for those in recovery.