How to Cope With School Anxiety in Addiction Recovery

Completing treatment is a significant step in your journey to a lifetime of happiness, healthiness, and sobriety. Now that you have returned home and are ready to start your life again, you may be thinking about going back to school. This is a natural next step now that you are stable and wanting to move forward in your life’s progression. Even with all the excitement, it is understandable if you are feeling anxious about returning. You may not know what to expect, if you will be able to cope with the stress, make new friends, and stay sober through the entire experience. However, there are ways to ensure you have a successful school experience as you reach your goals in recovery.

Have a Plan

If you are able, try contacting your professors before classes start to let them know you have just gotten out of treatment. This way, they will know if you start struggling to give support and perhaps be more lenient when the stress of assignments becomes too much. Also, meet with a counselor or mental health professional at the school to ensure you are set up for success and have someone to go to for support should you need it.

Don’t Take on Too Much

Jumping back into school can be an exciting time, but don’t get overconfident and sign up for too many classes. This can leave you feeling more stressed than you need to be. You don’t need an overwhelming workload as you’re still transitioning into things. Instead, sign up for two or three classes, or as many you think you can easily handle, and go with that. An easy way to navigate things is to listen to your gut and do what feels right.

Create a Routine

Having a routine will help you stay on top of things to ensure you don’t get behind and reduce your stress. Create both a daily and weekly routine to help yourself stay ahead. Write down your assignments in a planner and complete them in a timely manner. If you know you will be busy on a particular day or not have time to work on your assignments during the weekend, do your best to finish your work early to give yourself extra time to relax and not be overwhelmed. You can use various applications on your phone to help you stay organized, including the basic reminders app that is already installed.

Connect With Those That Make You Feel Safe

Going back to school can be overwhelming in the sense that you may not know anyone. However, instead of isolating yourself, try making new friends with people that make you feel safe. Ensure that they are good influences and people that you can confide in so you have someone to lean on for the tough days. Plan study sessions and lunch breaks to give yourself some rest and have extra support when you need it the most.

Make Healthy Choices

College is known for being a place associated with young adults venturing out for the first time and trying alcohol and drugs. You may find yourself in situations that put you in danger and may put your recovery at risk. When these occur, do your best to use your coping strategies to avoid relapsing. Excuse yourself from the situation or decide not to go to places where alcohol may be served. This way, you can avoid the temptation and stay focused on your schoolwork and your overall recovery.

Get Involved

While you shouldn’t jump into a bunch of classes and extracurriculars, if you feel settled enough to take on an extra club or other activity, getting involved on campus is a great way to meet new people and keep yourself busy. You may even meet other students that are in recovery themselves and be able to support each other. Learn new things and get involved once you are ready to expand your college experience.

Cut Back on Social Media Use

It can be easy to get lost in the world of social media as you try to navigate school again. Not only is it super distracting, but social media can cause you to begin comparing your life with the lives of others online. Others may seem like they have it all together online, but remember that not everything is as it seems. Everyone has their struggles, but they’re not all going to be documented for the world to see. People can act differently for the camera, but it is about who you are and how you feel about yourself. Take a break from social media and remind yourself that you are worthy.


Going back to school after rehab can be an exciting and daunting step at the same time. You may be feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of juggling classes, friends, and stress during your recovery. However, there are things you can do to make the transition easier. Consider the things that will make you successful in school. Have a plan to stay on top of your work, talk to your professors and counselor to ensure you have a support team, make friends and get involved, and make healthy choices conducive to your recovery. College is a time to learn more about yourself, but it is not worth putting your sobriety at risk. Should you ever have any doubts or concerns about going back to school following treatment, contact the team at Northstar Transitions today. We have significant experience in helping individuals in their life after rehab. We can help make sure you are successful in both life and your recovery. Call us today at (303) 558-6400.


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