Indiana University has earned the reputation of being a party school; however, it has many other things to offer. Especially for those in or maintaining recovery, it is important to look at ways to create an environment for yourself that does not reflect an environment that could be potentially harmful. There are other ways to do this other than going to CRC meetings, on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. or using the resources over at SUIS and the CRC, this can look different for each person. Here are some general ideas for maintaining sobriety on a party campus, whether you are just beginning your sobriety, or you’ve been sober for some time:
Support Systems
A good support system is important for anyone, but it is especially important when you are going through a difficult time. A good place to start is the CRC support group that meets on Tuesdays; however, having friends, family, or a mentor who empathizes with your struggles and your journey is also important. Especially on a campus that has such a lively party atmosphere, it is important to have other atmospheres to engage in and explore. IU offers thousands of clubs, cultural events, and programs to benefit from that have a sober-friendly environment, but if you are not engaged in a club at IU where you feel close or comfortable enough to confide in those members about your sobriety, it is important to have your friends hold you accountable, support your journey, and be honest with you about your recovery.
Keeping a Routine
Both school and sobriety are done best with a routine. Between cheering for your favorite Hoosier team, going to classes, doing homework, and studying for an exam, free time inevitably comes. For maintaining sobriety, one of the biggest challenges is boredom and downtime, which is why it can be a good idea to have a routine that fills those gaps. Healthy ways to do this can be hanging out with sober-positive friends and catching up on your favorite show with them, volunteering, a job on campus or off campus, calling up a friend or family member from home; going to a group exercise class for completely free at the SRSC, joining a club that is just for fun, such as IU Outdoor Adventures, journaling; or hammocking on a beautiful day.
Do Not Take on More than you can Handle
While it is important to have a routine, you should not take on more than you can handle. Stress is one of the largest factors in relapse, so make sure you are resting, and have fun, relaxing events scheduled. When you have a routine, it’s important to realize that, at times, it’s okay to break it as long as you can come back to it. If you are constantly putting too much into your daily routine and daily stress, it will then make the tool no longer helpful but potentially harmful. A daily, structured routine is great if you can be flexible and kind to yourself.
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