Successful Scholastics After Treatment
An integral component of treatment is finding the proper programs that will allow you to return to everyday life post-treatment effectively. One of those we at The Lakehouse Recovery Center like to promote is our relapse prevention program. In combination with at least one therapy session a week and weekly case management and counseling with our trained professionals, you will have the chance to focus on your future goals.
Relapse prevention programs offer a cognitive-behavioral approach that identifies high-risk triggers or situations for relapse. Additionally, they work to address those situations and provide support to you to maintain behavioral goals or changes you have worked on throughout your treatment.
In addition to preventing initial lapses and creating harm reduction plans, relapse prevention is also designed for you to focus on any life goals that you generally hope to achieve upon leaving treatment. One of the goals you may wish to focus on upon your transition back into everyday life includes continuing education.
If you are planning to balance scholastics and recovery, you must recognize that struggles may exist. Success in school is very possible post-treatment. The first step is being vocal with your case managers and therapists so that they can tailor your treatment plan and relapse prevention program to your individual needs.
Relapse Prevention at Lakehouse
There are several things to look out for as a recovering individual transitioning back to everyday life after treatment. Taking on too much too soon is exceptionally dangerous if you are already feeling unstable in recovery. In some instances, relapse is part of the learning process. This is why focusing on your goals in a relapse prevention program will help you learn to cope if the pressures of your plans begin to weigh you down.
If returning to school post-treatment is your goal, you can do things to minimize stress. Some of these include:
- Ensuring you have and are connected to a strong support network
- Seeking treatment for other co-occurring disorders
- Understanding and recognizing your triggers
- Practicing mindfulness to cope with any complex feelings that arise
Our relapse prevention will also allow our staff to help you locate resources to help with your goals. This can include assisting with college applications or walking with you through the financial aid process. Figuring out the best path to take for continued education can be difficult in general, but in early recovery, it is just one of many things that can cause extra stress. Relapse prevention will help you create this path towards continuing education while also helping you manage that stress successfully.
Common Fears About Returning to School
It is completely normal to be fearful about returning to school. You may be afraid that you do not have the self-discipline to enter into the academic landscape. We so frequently hear about the heavy coursework students face, working against tight deadlines, or stresses of affording continuing education. Fortunately, practices learned during your treatment are transferable, which is the precise goal of a relapse prevention program. Coping skills will increase your level of self-discipline and ability to handle the stress of school healthily.
Another reason you may initially be deterred from returning to school is a fear of judgment. It can sometimes be difficult to separate yourself from your addiction. It is only natural to be afraid that others will only see you for who you were in your addiction as well.
It is so important to set the boundary between who you are and what you happen to struggle with. You are a person suffering from addiction, but just as significantly, trying to achieve a goal like everyone else. Do not let your fears of judgment deter you from your dreams.
Tips for Returning to School After Treatment
Regardless of whether you had to leave school to seek treatment or never had the chance to continue your education because of addiction, the path to higher learning depends on your ultimate goals. There are ways for you to return to the scholastic scene without having to threaten your recovery. You can first make your return to school slow, and begin with a couple of classes.
Another option for you is online programs. These make it easier to balance education and recovery. Some schools even have sober-specific programs. They allow students to enter sober study groups, activities, and dorms, removing potential triggers from the equation. The options are available; it just requires a little extra time and effort into making them become a reality.
There are many goals people hope to achieve upon leaving treatment, transitioning back into everyday life, and entering onto their new path to recovery. Sometimes that includes reconnecting with family, finding a dream job, or going back to school. People often leave their educational journey because they struggle with addiction or have never had the chance to further their education because of their disorder. In particular, relapse prevention programs can help people plan on their goal of returning to school upon leaving treatment. That includes learning healthy skills to cope with the stress of school, facing fears of continued education, and locating resources to apply for the proper education program for you. During your time at The Lakehouse Recovery Center, we can help you with these goals as part of your relapse prevention plan. If you seek addiction treatment and hope to someday return to school while in recovery, reach out at (877) 762-3707 today.