Tips To Succeed in School
If you are feeling strong in your recovery, and are thinking about going back to school, you are not alone. Many people who get sober decide to further their education, or go back and finish what they started before addiction took hold. If this is you, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for the most success in your education and your recovery.
- Do the Research – Before diving head-first into a program that you don’t know much about, figure out what interests you, and learn more about it. Research related fields, interview people who are doing the jobs you’re interested in, and try volunteering. Check out different schools who specialize in what you would like to do, and have a chat with an academic advisor.
- Investigate – Can you take classes online, in the classroom, or a hybrid? How much time will you have to dedicate to school? What about the cost, and financial aid or scholarships? It is important to know these things beforehand, especially since you will be working your schooling around your recovery—not the other way around.
- Start Slow – You may be itching to make up for lost time, but let that mentality go. Start off by taking one or two classes. Nine times out of ten, the workload, homework, and time requirements are more than you expected, and the added stress can be overwhelming. This can be too much for your recovery, so start slow.
- Talk It Out – Keep checking in with yourself and a trusted friend or therapist about how you are feeling about school and recovery. You need to vent, and it’s important to have someone who will not only listen, but will provide you with honest feedback.
- Keep Recovery Your Number One Priority – No matter what is going on in your life now, or 10 years from now, recovery has to come first. If you don’t have it, you have nothing. Always remember this.
- Take a Breather – If recovery, school, work, family, or whatever else is going on in your life is too much, take a step back. You can always take a break from school, and come back when you are ready. Take care of yourself, and do what’s right for you.
If you are struggling with addiction, we can help. At The Lakehouse Recovery Center, you will learn the tools you need to have a successful life in recovery. In sobriety, you can do anything you want, and this includes your education. Don’t wait any longer, you can do this. Give us a call, we are available 24/7, toll-free at (877) 762-3707. You can change, and you can recover. Call today.