By Michelle Peterson, Guest Writer
There’s no denying that addiction can cause major disruptions in an individual’s life. However, entering recovery and starting the process of getting back on track can be an empowering and motivating decision. Additionally, choosing to go back to school will only make staying on the right track easier as it provides you a path to take back control of your life, create positive goals, and set your sights on the future rather than the past. In this article, we'll discuss the various benefits of going back to school and why it may be the right decision for those in recovery.
Benefits of Going Back to School
In addition to earning an academic credential, there are various other benefits of going back to school:
- Create Connections: One of the core concepts of the recovery process is to create meaningful connections with those around you. Having connections not only reduces loneliness but helps develop a support system one can rely on in times of need. Going back to school can help individuals meet like-minded people and develop a supportive community. Additionally, developing these connections can boost self-confidence and provide you the confidence of facing challenges head-on without the need of relying on substances.
- Sense of Achievement: During recovery, individuals need to set personal goals as these provide some much-needed direction. Fulfillment of these goals will lead to the creation of a positive feedback loop that’ll motivate you to repeat the process. For instance, doing well on a test will serve as a confidence booster, helping to set the tone for the rest of the degree. Additionally, while in college, you’ll have classmates, instructors, and tutors around you who’ll provide guidance and assistance at every step of the way.
- Learn New Skills: For individuals who’ve been away from the workforce for some time, learning new in-demand skills is integral for finding a way back in. And college is the perfect place to learn these skills and educate yourself on their uses in the real world. Moreover, your college is bound to host at least a few networking events, where you can meet with industry professionals, learn about their experience and create a professional network that can be leveraged when looking for jobs post-graduation.
Choosing the Right College
Depending on where you’re located, you’ll have the option of enrolling in a public or private college. Additionally, community colleges are a great option as well for those who want to keep their expenses in check. More than the name of the college, focus on how good the department and faculty are.
However, if attending classes in person is not something you feel ready for at the moment, the best option may be to pursue an online degree. Compared to traditional degrees, pursuing education online will be cost-effective with the benefit of flexible schedules. Additionally, you’ll still have access to beyond-the-classroom services, such as networking events. If you’re struggling to find good online courses, this may help your search.
Paying for Your Education
Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll need to spend at least a few thousand dollars to complete a degree, as reported by Times Higher Education. If you cannot pay the entire amount out of pocket, don’t fret, as there are various avenues to reduce your financial burden:
- Your first step will be to submit a FAFSA application. If eligible, you’ll be able to get aid from the federal government to cover tuition and other college-related costs.
- When applying, email the financial aid department of the college and inquire about the programs they have. As reported by The Balance, oftentimes, colleges have a host of options for low-income applications and mature applicants in addition to work-study programs i.e. you work on campus to cover part of your tuition costs.
Going back to college after entering addiction recovery can be a daunting prospect—but it's also a great way to gain control over your life and develop meaningful relationships that help you stay on the path to recovery. Additionally, for those concerned about money, online degrees are the go-to option for learning in-demand skills and being one step closer to starting a new chapter in life.
